AP International airport photo

An expert team from the Airports Authority of India will soon visit Andhra Pradesh to inspect places like Tirupati, Vishakapatnam and Vijayawada to find out if they will be suitable to construct an international airport. The state after the bifurcation lost its only international airport to Telangana. During the state division, the Centre has promised three international airports to Andhra Pradesh in the AP Reorganisations Act. The inspection will be undertaken to find the feasibilities.

International airports require a minimum of 9,000 metres of runway and the officials in three places have acquired some lands which may be suitable for construction. It may be noted that most states in India have only one international airport. Some have two while very few have three. If these three places are deemed as suitable for construction, AP will find place in the elite list. There are currently 10 air strips in AP and most of them are not functional.