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A newly constructed air traffic control (ATC) tower at Vijayawada Airport is nearing operationalisation after completing a month-long trial run, with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) seeking approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Built at a cost of INR 90 crore, the facility is expected to enhance air traffic management capacity and improve operational efficiency at the airport. The G+2 structure, developed over approximately two and a half years, has already handled live air traffic during the trial phase without disruptions. Once commissioned, the new tower will replace the existing facility and support increasing flight movements amid rising passenger demand and network expansion. The development forms part of broader infrastructure upgrades underway at Vijayawada Airport.
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has completed trial operations of a new air traffic control (ATC) tower at Vijayawada Airport in recent weeks and has sought regulatory approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to commence full-scale operations, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, with the objective of improving air traffic management efficiency and supporting increasing flight movements through upgraded infrastructure. Advertisement
The newly constructed ATC tower, developed at a cost of INR 90 crore, has undergone a month-long trial during which live air traffic operations were handled from the new facility alongside the existing tower. Officials indicated that the trial phase was completed without any operational issues, with air traffic controllers successfully managing flight movements using the new systems.
Constructed as a G+2 structure, the tower forms part of the airport's ongoing infrastructure modernisation programme and has been built over a period of approximately two and a half years, with construction commencing in 2023. The facility incorporates upgraded systems aimed at improving surveillance, communication, and navigation functions, which are critical for managing aircraft movements efficiently.
Following the successful completion of trials, AAI has formally approached the DGCA to obtain clearance for transitioning operations from the existing ATC tower to the new facility. A regulatory inspection by the aviation authority is expected to be conducted in the coming weeks, after which a final decision on operational approval will be taken. Officials indicated that the shift to the new tower could take place within the next two months, subject to regulatory clearance.
The upgraded ATC infrastructure is expected to enhance operational efficiency at Vijayawada Airport by enabling better monitoring of aircraft movements and reducing coordination challenges, particularly during peak traffic hours. The improved systems are also intended to support higher flight frequencies and accommodate anticipated growth in passenger and cargo traffic.
The development comes amid a series of infrastructure upgrades at the airport, including expansion of terminal facilities and improved connectivity through new flight services. Recent additions to the airport's network and increased airline activity have contributed to higher operational demand, necessitating improvements in air traffic management capacity.
Officials indicated that once operational, the new ATC tower will replace the existing facility as the primary control centre, although the older tower may be retained as a backup during the transition phase. The modernisation aligns with broader efforts by AAI to upgrade airport infrastructure across regional centres to meet growing aviation demand.
The commissioning of the new ATC tower is expected to play a key role in supporting Vijayawada Airport's operational capabilities, particularly as the region continues to witness increased connectivity and passenger movement, with infrastructure upgrades being undertaken to align with projected traffic growth.
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