International Airlines Sideline Vizag, Prefer Other Cities
In a concerning trend for air connectivity in Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam is steadily losing out on direct flight services to other major cities, despite being a key economic and industrial hub of the state. Recent developments indicate that multiple international airlines, which initially planned to operate from Vizag, are now shifting their focus to other airports such as Vijayawada and Hyderabad.
Dubai Flights Moved, Vietnam Airlines Opts for Hyderabad
Earlier, Emirates’ proposed direct service to Dubai, which was initially scheduled from Vizag, was reportedly moved to Vijayawada under unclear circumstances. The latest blow comes from Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet, both of which had committed to launching services from Visakhapatnam in early 2025, following last year’s aviation conclave. However, they have now opted for Hyderabad, allegedly due to the lukewarm response from the authorities in Vizag.
Meanwhile, Akasa Air has been awaiting regulatory approvals to expand operations from Visakhapatnam, yet there has been no progress on this front.
Neglect or Deliberate Political Strategy?
The repeated setbacks in aviation connectivity have raised serious concerns among industry leaders and citizens, who are now questioning whether the development of other regions is happening at the cost of Uttarandhra. Critics argue that while the Union Civil Aviation Minister hails from this very region, his influence seems ineffective in retaining or expanding air services in Vizag.
Adding fuel to the speculation, political observers suggest that Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu’s administration may be actively diverting developmental opportunities away from Vizag to favor Vijayawada and Amaravati, aligning with his long-term vision for the capital region.
Business Community & Citizens Demand Accountability
The lack of proactive intervention by state and central authorities has left many stakeholders disappointed. Vizag’s business community, which has long demanded better connectivity, sees this shift as a major setback to regional development. Citizens and industry leaders are calling for transparency in decision-making and stronger efforts to prevent Vizag from being sidelined.
