A Guide to Vijayawada International Airport: Serving the Andhra Pradesh Capital Region

The origins of the airport date back to World War II, when the airfield at Gannavaram served as a military base. Following the war, the site was converted for civilian use, though passenger operations remained relatively limited for several decades.

Significant commercial growth began in the early 2000s. Air Deccan introduced a daily service connecting Hyderabad and Vijayawada in September 2003. Up until 2011, the airport's activity remained modest, with only four flights per day being operated primarily by Kingfisher Airlines.

To meet the rising passenger traffic, the foundation stone for a new interim terminal building was laid in October 2015. This facility was designed with the capacity to handle two million passengers per annum and was officially inaugurated on 12 January 2017.

The shift to the interim terminal allowed for the repurposing of the original airport facilities. The old terminal building was closed and refurbished to include customs and immigration facilities, enabling the airport to support international flight services.

A major milestone was reached on 3 May 2017, when the Government of India officially granted international status to Vijayawada Airport. This designation was supported by the state government through viability initiatives to enhance connectivity.

With its upgraded facilities and international standing, the airport serves as a primary gateway for the Gannavaram area and the broader Andhra Pradesh Capital Region, facilitating both domestic and global travel needs.