The ongoing pandemic has affected several industries that would otherwise be booming during this part of the year. Some industries, including hospitality, tourism and airlines, continue to grapple with the significant changes this year has brought about. Closer to home, Visakhapatnam airport authorities have also stated that air traffic and the movement of domestic and international cargo at Vizag airport have been severely affected due to the rapidly spreading COVID-19 virus. Passenger movement has also decreased at Vizag airport according to information released by the Vizag airport authorities.
Passenger movement at Vizag Airport decreased by 92.21% in the second quarter (April – June) of calendar year 2020 compared to the first quarter (January – March). Visakhapatnam Airport, which received 47,510 passengers between April and June 2020, carried a significantly high number of 6,09,150 passengers in the first three months of 2020. Passengers include domestic and international travellers.
Cargo movement has been affected during the second quarter of the calendar year. According to the information provided, 1,132 metric tons of cargo were moved at the airport during the first quarter. This number dropped to an abysmal 608 metric tons of cargo during April, May and June. The total drop has been calculated at 46.29% for the second quarter.
The movement of aircraft at the airport was reduced by 88.81% in the second quarter (April-June) of the calendar compared to the first quarter (January-March). Visakhapatnam Airport, which witnessed 599 aircraft between April and June, moved 5,353 aircraft in the first three months of 2020.
Considering the slow period this year, the Andhra Pradesh Air Travelers Association (APATA) has requested the Director of the Airports Authority of India, Visakhapatnam to complete the expansion of the terminal building on both sides, taking advantage of the least activity at the airport.
