Vijayawada is not just a city — it functions as the commercial and administrative nerve centre of Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the post-bifurcation era as Amaravati takes shape as the new state capital nearby. The airport serving Vijayawada, located at Gannavaram on the banks of the Krishna river, has had to keep pace with a city whose importance has expanded faster than its original infrastructure anticipated. Passenger numbers grew nearly 29% in 2024–25, reaching over 16 lakh, making it one of the fastest-growing airports in the country by traffic volume. A major new terminal has been under construction for years and is currently in final stages — though delays have pushed its delivery beyond multiple earlier target dates.
Quick Overview: Vijayawada International Airport
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Vijayawada International Airport |
| Also Known As | Gannavaram Airport |
| Location | Gannavaram, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh |
| Airport Type | Public — International |
| IATA Code | VGA |
| ICAO Code | VOBZ |
| Owner & Operator | Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
| Total Land Area | 1,265 acres |
| Runway Length | 3,360 metres |
| Distance from Vijayawada City | ~13–25 km (varies by reference point) |
| Passengers (2025–26) | 16,11,200 |
| New Terminal Cost | ₹611.80 crore |
| New Terminal Status | Under construction; ~80% complete as of early 2026 |
Vijayawada International Airport Location: Gannavaram on NH 16
Vijayawada International Airport is located at Gannavaram in Krishna district, positioned along National Highway 16 — the major coastal highway that connects Kolkata to Chennai through Andhra Pradesh. Depending on which part of Vijayawada city you measure from, the airport is approximately 13 to 25 km away, with travel time varying significantly based on traffic, particularly given the congestion patterns on routes crossing the Krishna river.
The airport’s position at Gannavaram places it within the broader Amaravati Capital Region — a geography that has been receiving heavy infrastructure investment since 2014. The Krishna river runs nearby, the landscape is flat and accessible, and the highway connectivity makes the airport reachable from Guntur, Amaravati, and surrounding districts in addition to Vijayawada itself.
Vijayawada International Airport Code: IATA VGA and ICAO VOBZ
The airport’s IATA code is VGA and its ICAO code is VOBZ. VGA is the standard identifier across all airline booking systems, boarding passes, and baggage handling networks. The airport is officially named Vijayawada International Airport by AAI but is widely known as Gannavaram Airport in everyday usage across Andhra Pradesh. Both names refer to the same facility with the same codes.
Vijayawada International Airport Terminal: Existing Operations and New Terminal Progress
The current operational terminal at Vijayawada Airport is a single integrated facility designed primarily for domestic passenger traffic, with a capacity of around 500 passengers at a time. It handles check-in, security, departure, arrivals, and baggage claim in one building. International customs and immigration facilities are present on-site for scheduled international flights, giving the airport its operational international status.
The airport’s big infrastructure story is its new terminal — a ₹611.80 crore project that has been under construction for several years. The new terminal is designed to handle 1,200 passengers during peak hours (600 domestic and 400 international), feature 24 check-in counters, 5 baggage conveyor belts, 14 immigration counters, 3 customs counters, 8 gates, and 6 aerobridges capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 777 and Boeing 747. Parking for 1,250 additional vehicles is also part of the design.
Progress has been slower than planned. Construction reached approximately 48.5% completion by June 2024. By early 2026, around 80% of the work was done, but contractor-related delays pushed the timeline beyond the March 2026 target. As of mid-2026, the remaining work — estimated at roughly 20% — was being targeted for completion within approximately 150 working days to six months following contractor reappointment. Passengers should verify the latest operational status of the new terminal before travel.
The runway at 3,360 metres is capable of handling wide-body aircraft including the Boeing 787 and Airbus A330, positioning the airport for expanded international operations once the new terminal is active.
Vijayawada International Airport Connectivity: Airlines, Routes and Ground Access
By Air: IndiGo operates the highest frequency of flights from Vijayawada with 49 non-stop weekly services to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai, plus connections to Mumbai, Delhi, and other cities. Air India also serves this airport. International connectivity includes a direct service to Sharjah, with additional international routes expected to expand as the new terminal comes online. Passenger traffic grew 28.9% in 2025–26, reflecting the airport’s growing role as a regional hub.
By Road: Taxis, APSRTC buses, and app-based cab services operate between the airport and Vijayawada city. Car rental services are available at the terminal. Travel time from central Vijayawada is approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and the specific part of the city.
By Rail: Vijayawada Junction is one of the busiest railway stations in India, sitting on multiple major rail lines connecting to Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Delhi. The junction is roughly 25 to 30 km from the airport, making a taxi or bus connection to the airport straightforward for rail arrivals.
Nearest International Alternatives: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad, approximately 270 km away, handles the bulk of international traffic for passengers from this region who cannot access direct international flights from Vijayawada.
Vijayawada International Airport Amenities: Current Facilities for Passengers
The current terminal offers a practical range of passenger services. Wheelchair assistance and support for differently-abled and elderly passengers are available. Free trolleys are provided. A childcare room is in operation. First aid and medical facilities are on-site. Wi-Fi hotspot access is available across the terminal. ATMs and mobile charging points are accessible.
Food and beverage options include snack bars and eateries operating within the terminal. Small retail outlets carry magazines, stationery, clothing, and accessories. VIP lounge facilities are available for designated passengers. Car hire services operate at the terminal exit.
The amenity profile will change substantially when the new terminal opens. The new building will bring aerobridges, significantly expanded retail and dining options, international-grade immigration and customs halls, and a passenger experience designed for a facility handling over 1,200 passengers per peak hour rather than the current 500.
FAQs: Vijayawada International Airport
Q1. What is the IATA code for Vijayawada International Airport?
A: The IATA code is VGA and the ICAO code is VOBZ. The airport is also commonly known as Gannavaram Airport.
Q2. Is Vijayawada Airport an international airport?
A: Yes. It holds international airport status and operates international flights including a direct service to Sharjah. Additional international routes are expected as the new terminal becomes operational.
Q3. How far is Vijayawada Airport from the city centre?
A: The airport at Gannavaram is approximately 13 to 25 km from Vijayawada depending on the reference point within the city. Travel time is roughly 30 to 45 minutes by road.
Q4. What is the status of the new terminal at Vijayawada Airport?
A: The new ₹611.80 crore terminal was approximately 80% complete as of early 2026, with contractor-related delays pushing delivery beyond the March 2026 deadline. The remaining work was being targeted for completion in roughly 150 working days to six months from early 2026 onwards.
Q5. Which airlines fly from Vijayawada International Airport?
A: IndiGo and Air India are the primary carriers, with routes to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, and Sharjah among others. Always check current schedules on airline platforms before booking.
