Govt nod for Vizag airport expansion

HYDERABAD: Decks have been cleared for upgrading the Visakhapatnam airport. The state government will provide 267 acres for the proposed expansion, which is likely to cost Rs 300 crore. As part of the proposed expansion, a new terminal building will be constructed at a cost of Rs 100 crore.
Once the new runway measuring 10,000 feet is constructed, the old one, which is 6000 feet, will be abandoned.The airport will be able to handle all types of aircraft once it is upgraded, according to sources.
The ministry of civil aviation wanted the state government to acquire about 267 acres adjoining the existing airport and the local authorities have identified the land given to the Visakhapatnam Port Trust for the purpose. The state government is reported to have released the funds for the same.
Visakhapatnam airport is presently under the control of the Navy and does not have night-landing facilities. During VVIP visits, it has to take permission from the defence ministry to operate flights beyond 4 pm. The Union civil aviation ministry has also given permission to Singapore Airlines to operate regular flights from the airport.
According to sources, Jet Airways is also keen to operate daily flights from Hyderabad to Visakhapatnam. It may be recalled that Tirupati airport at Renigunta has already been cleared by the Centre to have night-landing facilities. Tirupati will be ready to take flights during nights by next January.