Visakhapatnam International Airport has demonstrated remarkable performance in the first eleven months of 2025, cementing its status as a rising aviation hub on India's eastern coast. The airport registered a significant surge in passenger traffic and achieved high marks for customer satisfaction, showcasing its growing importance in regional connectivity.
Robust Passenger Growth and National Recognition
From January to November 2025, the airport witnessed a passenger footfall of 27,55,635. This marks a substantial increase of 9.29% compared to the 25,21,249 passengers handled during the same period in the previous year. The growth trajectory is further highlighted by monthly traffic consistently exceeding 2.2 lakh passengers, with peaks reaching around 2.7 lakh.
Complementing this operational success is an impressive achievement in service quality. The airport secured a Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) score of 4.92 out of 5. This stellar performance earned it the 9th rank at the national level in Round I of the 2025 assessments, placing it among the top airports in the country for passenger experience.
Expanding Connectivity and Cargo Operations
The growth story extends beyond passenger numbers. The airport recorded a notable expansion in aircraft movements across both domestic and international sectors. This increase points to improved connectivity, better capacity utilisation, and sustained confidence from airlines in the Visakhapatnam (Vizag) market. Efficient scheduled and non-scheduled operations have supported this combined growth.
On the cargo front, the airport handled a total of 4902 metric tonnes during the January-November 2025 period. This comprised 1955 metric tonnes of outbound and 2947 metric tonnes of inbound cargo. Domestic cargo movement was particularly strong, with the airport consistently managing over 340 metric tonnes each month. The peak was observed in March, with a total of 593.195 metric tonnes. Authorities are now coordinating with stakeholders to explore and enhance the potential for international cargo from Vizag in the coming months.
New Routes and Future Prospects
The airport's network has seen valuable additions, strengthening its international profile. Alongside its existing service to Singapore, IndiGo launched a new flight service to Abu Dhabi in June 2025. This service operates four days a week, providing better direct connectivity to the Middle East.
The consistent growth in passenger traffic, high customer satisfaction scores, expanded aircraft movements, and steady cargo handling collectively underscore Visakhapatnam's emergence as a key regional aviation hub. The strategic steps being taken for international cargo and route expansion indicate a focused effort to build on this momentum and cater to the evolving demands of the region's economy and travellers.
