Runway expansion works to be completed by Jan-2019

Amaravati: The expansion works of Vijayawada Airport runway would be completed by January 2019 for introducing international flights. Transport minister K Atchannaidu said the government has acquired 700 acres of land for expansion works. The farmers who gave away land for expansion works were given plots in Amaravati capital villages, he added.  

Answering to members during the question hour in the Assembly on Thursday, he said that air service providers of Dubai, Sri Lanka and Air Asia have formally accepted to run their services soon.

He said the government discussed with various international organisations towards launching international flights. Besides, he said the state government had also submitted a proposal for the creation of infrastructure with Rs 370 crore budget.

Stating that the government has plans to provide more facilities on par with international standards after releasing funds by Centre, Atchannaidu said and added the computerisation works were yet to be completed.

After the bifurcation of the state, the government has developed lounge and terminal. Presently 52 flights are being operated daily from the airport with annual floating capacity of 6,60,000 passengers, he said. TDP MLC Tondepu Dasaradha Janardhan appealed to government to introduce more international flights from Vijayawada airport.