Kadapa Airport’s development is gathering pace with the support of the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, a government initiative launched in 2016 to promote affordable air travel for rural areas. Airport Director Sujith Kr Poddar recently provided updates on the airport's progress and future plans.

Initially managed by TruJet Airways until 2021, the airport’s operations were taken over by Indigo Airlines, which now runs four flights daily. Poddar detailed the flight schedule: “On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, flights operate on the Chennai-Kadapa-Vijayawada route, with the return journey covering Vijayawada-Kadapa-Chennai. On alternate days—Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—flights connect Bengaluru, Kadapa, and Visakhapatnam." On average, 150 passengers use the airport daily, contributing to its growing regional significance.

Looking ahead, the airport's capacity and infrastructure will get a boost with the construction of a new terminal building, expected to become operational by 2026. The upgraded facility aims to enhance the passenger experience and cater to increasing travel demand.

Local residents have appreciated the UDAN scheme's impact, particularly for improving connectivity to key cities like Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, where many daily laborers from Kadapa travel for work. Some have called for further measures, such as flight subsidies for ration card holders, to support frequent travelers.

Moshes Jashuva, a Kadapa resident, highlighted the scheme's importance: “The UDAN scheme has been a game-changer for Kadapa residents. Before this, we had to rely on Chennai airport. Prime Minister Modi is introducing beneficial schemes that make air travel accessible.”

The continued growth of Kadapa Airport under the UDAN scheme is a promising step toward enhanced regional connectivity and economic opportunities for residents. ? ( Financial Express)