Vijayawada: In a major push to transform Andhra Pradesh into a leading aviation destination, the state govt has unveiled a comprehensive aviation policy that seeks to attract large-scale private investment, expand airport infrastructure, improve air connectivity, and create a globally competitive aviation ecosystem.The policy aims to position the state as the eastern gateway of India and one of the country’s top destinations for aviation investments. It marks a significant shift towards private sector participation, opening up opportunities for infrastructure developers, construction companies, airport operators, logistics firms, aerospace manufacturers, and aviation service providers.Most major airport projects proposed under the policy will be developed through public-private-partnership (PPP) models, enabling private players to bring in capital, expertise, and technology. “The policy is driven by the vision of chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu and IT, electronics and education minister Nara Lokesh,” said infrastructure and investments minister BC Janardhan Reddy.The state govt plans to operationalise nine additional airports, including greenfield facilities at Amaravati, Dagadarthi, Kuppam, Palasa, Ongole, Tadepalligudem, and Anantapur, among other locations. It also intends to develop more than 10 waterdromes and heliports to improve regional connectivity and promote tourism. The long-term goal is to ensure airport access within 150km for people across the state.A key highlight of the policy is the proposed Amaravati airport, which is envisioned as a world-class aviation hub capable of handling domestic and international transit traffic. The project will be pursued through a PPP model and is expected to become a major economic growth engine for the capital region.The new aviation policy also provides substantial opportunities for private developers to build airport cities, logistics parks, cargo terminals, warehouses, hotels, convention centres, commercial complexes, and business parks around airports. Construction companies and infrastructure firms can help develop airports, aerotropolis projects, industrial parks, heliports, waterdromes, and supporting urban infrastructure. The state has also proposed land pooling, asset monetisation, and long-term lease models to facilitate large-scale investments in the aviation sector.Beyond airports, the policy focuses on developing aviation-related industries such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, aerospace manufacturing, cargo hubs, cold-chain infrastructure, and aviation training institutions. The Naidu-led govt believes that the policy will strengthen tourism, logistics, exports and industrial growth, while making the state a future-ready aviation hub powered by innovation, private investment, and modern infrastructure.
