The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted site clearance for proposed greenfield airports at Kuppam and Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, enabling the State to begin the next stage of development for the two projects.

The Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation (APADCL) is preparing to invite Requests for Proposals for developing the airports. The State Government had submitted the proposed locations to the Union Ministry as part of a broader plan to expand aviation infrastructure across Andhra Pradesh.

The Srikakulam airport is expected to involve an investment of Rs. 7.5 bn in its initial phase and will be developed across about 1,100 acres. The project is targeted for completion in 2030, according to the plans submitted by the State authorities.

The Kuppam airport, which is proposed in the constituency of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, is planned across 1,200 acres. The estimated investment for the project is Rs. 17 bn, based on the master plans submitted to the Centre.

In addition to Kuppam and Srikakulam, the State Government has proposed airports at Amaravati, Anantapur, Ongole, Dagadarti, Nagarjuna Sagar, Tuni and Tadepalligudem. Together, the proposals form a nine-airport development plan intended to improve regional connectivity and support economic activity across the State, although the progress of each project will depend on further clearances and development decisions.