Emirates is considering adding Vijayawada Airport (VGA) to its network. If finalised, the move would provide the Telugu diaspora in the United States with another gateway to Andhra Pradesh, alongside Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport.
The airline plans to connect Vijayawada to key U.S. cities via its hub in Dubai, benefiting Telugu communities in the Bay Area, the Texas Triangle (Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio), Chicagoland, Seattle, New Jersey, Boston, and Greater Washington (DMV).
A three-member Emirates team recently conducted a technical feasibility study at Vijayawada Airport. According to a report by The Times of India, Airport Director M. Lakshmikanth stated that the airline was satisfied with the airport’s runway length, automated baggage handling system, and other facilities. However, the lack of a dedicated aerobridge was noted as a concern.
To address this, Lakshmikanth confirmed that a new terminal building under construction at Vijayawada Airport will include six aerobridges—four for domestic flights and two exclusively for international operations. Once these are completed, Emirates could move closer to launching services from the airport.
While the technical assessment yielded positive results, Emirates is yet to evaluate the financial feasibility of operating passenger flights to Vijayawada. This assessment will be a critical factor in determining whether the airline proceeds with the route.