Gannavaram (Andhra Pradesh): The first international flight landed in Vijayawada in December 2018. At present, the numbers of international flights that have landed at the airport have crossed the 200-mark after "Vande Bharat Mission" operations.
Vijayawada is among the top 15 airports in the country which operate international flight services. The airport director Madhusudana Rao led the staff to ensure all COVID-19 protocols are followed at the airport. About 50,000 migrants have returned to India via Vijayawada International Airport.
Foreign Airlines express satisfaction
Airlines operating from the Gulf countries expressed satisfaction with the arrangements at the airport during the COVID-19 lockdown. They came forward to run their services even during the lockdown. It is a testimony to the development of the airport. Many have expressed the opinion that, even though there are temporary buildings with a very small square feet area, it has the best in amenities and service for passengers.
The number of domestic passengers between 2014-15 was 2.3 lakh. In 2019-20 it is reached 11.8 lakhs surprising even the civil aviation authorities. Vijayawada Airport is also running cargo services along with other general services. Development of infrastructures like runway expansion, a new traffic control tower and advanced terminal construction has been approved by the Centre.
Currently, there is a 2286 meter runway. If it was 3360 meters then services from the US, London and other countries could be started. Madhusudana Rao, who took over as the director of the airport on October 13, 2015, played a key role in the development of the airport.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many MPs and high officials have lauded the steps taken by the authorities to ensure the COVID-19 protocols during the operations of Vande Bharat Missions.
Also Read: Revenue dept demolishes compound wall of GITAM in Visakhapatnam
