Vizag Airport Traffic Surges 170% in a Decade
Passenger services have been strengthened through Digi Yatra
Visakhapatnam: Visakhapatnam International Airport will observe Yatri Suvidha Diwas on June 15, highlighting its growth, modernisation and passenger-focused initiatives over the years.
Passenger traffic has surged from 10.98 lakh in FY 2014-15 to 29.68 lakh in FY 2025-26, a rise of nearly 170 per cent, establishing it as the leading aviation gateway of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh.
Originally a World War II military airfield and opened for civil operations in 1981, the airport now connects major domestic destinations including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Vijayawada, Tirupati, Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Kurnool and Jeypore, along with international connectivity to Singapore under the UDAN scheme.
Infrastructure upgrades have kept pace with demand. A terminal expansion in October 2022 increased the area from 20,000 to 30,000 square metres, raising annual passenger handling capacity from 2.5 million to 3.6 million. In September 2024, an expanded Security Hold Area with additional seating and boarding facilities was commissioned to improve comfort.
Passenger services have been strengthened through Digi Yatra, free Wi-Fi, tactile pathways, wheelchair assistance, barrier-free access and dedicated support systems. Nearly 30 per cent of departing passengers now use Digi Yatra, reflecting rising digital adoption.
The airport has also advanced its sustainability initiatives with 100 per cent green power tariff, rooftop solar generation, wastewater recycling through an 180 KLD sewage treatment plant and full transition to LED lighting.
Airport director N. Purushottam said the facility has demonstrated operational excellence by handling major events such as the International Fleet Review 2026 and the CII Partnership Summit 2025. He added that it secured the All India Rank-3 Clean and Safe Airports Award in its category.
The Yatri Suvidha Diwas programme will include Deep Prajwalan, Vande Mataram, health camps, tree plantation drives, passenger awareness skits by cisf, local art displays and a Passenger Feedback Tree. Frontline staff will also be felicitated, officials said.