From wartime army base to international gateway: the evolution of Vijayawada Airport
In short: Once a military outpost during World War II, the airfield at Gannavaram has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a site with limited passenger traffic has recently expanded its horizons, transitioning from a domestic hub into an international terminal capable of connecting India to the world.
The history of Vijayawada Airport is marked by significant shifts in utility and scale. Following its use as an army base during World War II, the site was converted for civilian use. For many years, operations were modest; until 2011, the airport saw only about four flights daily, largely through Kingfisher Airlines. A notable period of expansion began in September 2003, when Air Deccan introduced daily service between Hyderabad and Vijayawada.
A major turning point occurred in 2017. After an interim terminal was inaugurated on 12 January 2017, the Government of India officially granted the airport international status on 3 May 2017. This paved the way for the first international departure to Singapore Changi Airport on 4 December 2018, operated by IndiGo. To support this growth, the runway was extended in 2019 to 3,360 metres by 45 metres, allowing the facility to accommodate wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Boeing 747.
The airport is currently undergoing a massive structural upgrade. The Airports Authority of India is constructing a 51,315-square-metre steel and glass terminal, with projected expenses reaching ₹824.28 crore. While the project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and contractor changes in early 2026, the terminal is expected to reach full operational readiness by late 2026. Once complete, it is designed to handle 3.5 million passengers annually, significantly increasing the capacity from the interim terminal's two million passenger limit.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Vijayawada Airport
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