Passenger traffic at Visakhapatnam airport up 170% since 2014-15, says director

ByTech Word News

Passengers in the arrivals area of ​​Visakhapatnam airport. File | Photo credit: V. Raju

Passenger traffic at Visakhapatnam airport has grown by 170% in 11 years, from 10.98 lakh in 2014-15 to 29.68 lakh in 2025-26. The airport will mark the milestone on Monday (June 15, 2026) observing Yatri Suvidha Diwas.

This growth reflects the airport’s evolution into a premier air gateway for the north coast of Andhra Pradesh. Aircraft movements saw a parallel increase, climbing from 11,306 to 21,799 over the same period, signaling the airport’s growing importance as a regional logistics and trade hub.

Modernization of infrastructure to meet demand

To accommodate this increase in traffic, the airport underwent infrastructure upgrades. A terminal expansion commissioned in October 2022 increased the facility’s floor space from 20,000 m2 to 30,000 m2, increasing its handling capacity to 3.6 million passengers per year. To further enhance the passenger experience, the airport added an expanded security area in September 2024 with improved seating and boarding areas.

“These structural improvements ensure that the airport can maintain top-notch services while supporting record passenger inflows,” Airport Director-in-Charge N. Purushottam told The Hindu on Sunday, June 14, 2026.

Prioritizing the passenger experience

The Yatri Suvidha Diwas event is designed to prioritize the passenger experience, which remains at the heart of all airport development.

Mr. Purushottam said such initiatives are vital to directly engage passengers and to recognize the efforts of frontline staff. He said that as the airport continues its journey of growth, modernization and sustainability, passenger satisfaction will remain at the heart of all its initiatives.

By integrating technology such as Digi Yatra, which is now used by nearly 30% of departing passengers, along with wheelchair access and free Wi-Fi, the airport continues to improve convenience for its expanding user base. The celebration will include community-based activities including health camps, tree plantation drives and felicitations for essential staff.

Published – 14 Jun 2026 18:21 IST