Vijayawada is on the brink of a major aviation milestone as Emirates Airlines has expressed interest in launching a direct Vijayawada-Dubai flight from Gannavaram International Airport. If everything goes as planned, the first international flight from the airport could take off this year, provided that the ongoing construction of the new terminal building is completed on time.
Emirates’ Feasibility Study: A Positive Outlook
A three-member team from Emirates Airlines recently conducted a technical feasibility study to evaluate whether the airport is suitable for operating international flights. After assessing various parameters such as runway length, automated baggage handling systems, and other technical facilities, the team expressed satisfaction with the airport’s infrastructure.
However, one major drawback was identified—the absence of an aerobridge. Unlike some airlines that allow passengers to board the aircraft using a plane ladder, Emirates follows strict passenger convenience and safety standards, requiring a dedicated aerobridge for seamless boarding and deboarding.
New Terminal to Feature Six Aerobridges
To meet international standards and facilitate global airline operations, a new terminal building is currently under construction at Gannavaram Airport. The terminal is designed to include:
• Six aerobridges
• Four for domestic flights
• Two exclusively for international flights
These aerobridges will allow up to six aircraft to be docked at the same time, significantly improving passenger convenience and airline operations.
According to Vijayawada Airport Director M Lakshmikanth Reddy, the completion of this infrastructure will play a key role in attracting international airlines like Emirates and ensuring a smooth travel experience for passengers.
Next Steps: Financial Feasibility Assessment
While the technical feasibility assessment has been successfully completed, the next crucial step is conducting a financial feasibility study. This study will determine:
• Passenger demand on the proposed Vijayawada-Dubai route
• Revenue potential for Emirates Airlines
• Operational costs and ticket pricing feasibility
If the study confirms strong demand and economic viability, Emirates could officially announce direct flights from Vijayawada to Dubai, marking a significant boost for international connectivity in Andhra Pradesh.
What This Means for Vijayawada
The launch of international flight services from Gannavaram International Airport will bring multiple benefits:
1. Enhanced Connectivity
• Passengers from Andhra Pradesh will have direct access to Dubai, a key global transit hub.
• Faster and more convenient travel for business and leisure purposes.
2. Economic Growth & Tourism Boost
• Increased air traffic could lead to higher tourism revenue for Vijayawada.
• More business opportunities, especially for trade and exports.
3. Employment Opportunities
• Growth in the aviation industry will create new job opportunities in areas like airport operations, hospitality, and logistics.
4. Convenience for NRIs & Expats
• Thousands of NRIs from Andhra Pradesh travel to the Middle East for work; direct flights will reduce travel time and costs.
Final Thoughts
Vijayawada is moving closer to achieving international airport status, and the completion of the new terminal building will be a crucial milestone. With Emirates Airlines considering operations and the airport’s infrastructure steadily improving, Vijayawada could soon be directly connected to the world.
For travelers and businesses in Andhra Pradesh, this development marks a new era of global connectivity—one that will unlock economic, tourism, and travel opportunities like never before.
