📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Captaingunadeep
Politics
Kakinada Welcomes First International Airport Amid Political Backlash
✍️ indiagazette.com
🗓 02 Aug 2026, 10:36 AM
👁 2
The newly inaugurated Kakinada International Airport marks a milestone for Andhra Pradesh, prompting Minister Lokesh to criticize the YSRCP for previously mocking the city.
The Kakinada International Airport was officially opened on 23 November 2023, becoming the first international gateway in the eastern coastal state of Andhra Pradesh. The airport, located in the Kakinada district, is expected to boost tourism and trade by providing direct connectivity to major global destinations.
Following the inauguration, Minister Lokesh, a senior leader of the opposition, publicly criticized the YSRCP government for having previously mocked the city. He argued that the development of the airport demonstrates the potential of Kakinada and calls for a more constructive approach to regional growth.
The new airport is projected to handle up to 1.2 million passengers annually, with plans for future expansion. It will serve as a key node for cargo and passenger traffic, linking Andhra Pradesh to international markets.
The state government has announced further infrastructure projects in the region, including improved road links and a new rail corridor, to complement the airport’s operations and support economic development.
Following the inauguration, Minister Lokesh, a senior leader of the opposition, publicly criticized the YSRCP government for having previously mocked the city. He argued that the development of the airport demonstrates the potential of Kakinada and calls for a more constructive approach to regional growth.
The new airport is projected to handle up to 1.2 million passengers annually, with plans for future expansion. It will serve as a key node for cargo and passenger traffic, linking Andhra Pradesh to international markets.
The state government has announced further infrastructure projects in the region, including improved road links and a new rail corridor, to complement the airport’s operations and support economic development.