The Government of Andhra Pradesh is set to establish a greenfield airport in Srikakulam district under the Centre’s UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagarik) scheme to improve regional air connectivity. The proposed airport will be developed in Mandasa mandal of the Uddanam region, while Palasa has been identified for a domestic airport project spanning 1,261 acres.
The airport project is planned in two phases, with land acquisition already underway following a feasibility study completed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Andhra Pradesh Airport Development Corporation (APADC). Officials have stated that no villages will be displaced and that affected landowners will receive fair compensation.
The project is part of the modified UDAN Scheme, which aims to develop 100 new airports between 2026 and 2036 to strengthen regional connectivity across India.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from the CPI(M) Srikakulam district unit, which argues that the airport could affect the agriculturally rich Uddanam region, known for its extensive coconut cultivation and farming activities. The party has urged the government to protect fertile agricultural land while pursuing infrastructure development.
The new airport is expected to complement the upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport in neighboring Vizianagaram district, further enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth in north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
