The AP Cabinet approved the AP State Aviation Policy 2026-31, setting a strategic roadmap to transform Andhra Pradesh into a major aviation and aerospace hub over the next decade. This is an important development for APPSC, UPSC, and TGPSC Prelims aspirants from the perspective of state-level infrastructure and economic policy.
AP State Aviation Policy 2026-31: Why in News
The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet approved the AP State Aviation Policy 2026-31, mapping out ambitious infrastructure expansion, passenger growth, and cargo capacity targets to position AP as a leading aviation destination in India.
Key Facts for Prelims
- Policy Period: 2026–2031
- Passenger Capacity Target: From 6.2 million → 30.38 million by 2035
- Cargo Capacity Target: From 6,240 metric tonnes → 4.27 lakh metric tonnes
- New Airports Planned: 9
- Waterdromes Planned: 10 (for seaplane operations)
- Accessibility Goal: Operational airport or transit point within 150-km radius anywhere in AP
Static/Exam Connections
- DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation): Regulatory body for civil aviation in India under the Ministry of Civil Aviation
- AAI (Airports Authority of India): Manages airport infrastructure across India; established under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1994
- UDAN Scheme (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik): Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) launched in 2016 to provide affordable air travel; operationalised under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016
- Waterdromes: Infrastructure for seaplane operations; used in coastal and island states. AP’s coastline makes it strategically suitable
- National Civil Aviation Policy 2016: First comprehensive aviation policy of India aiming to take flying to the masses
- BCAS (Bureau of Civil Aviation Security): Responsible for airport security, distinct from DGCA
Quick Revision Table
| Parameter | Current Status | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Passenger Handling | 6.2 million | 30.38 million (by 2035) |
| Air Cargo Capacity | 6,240 metric tonnes | 4.27 lakh metric tonnes |
| New Airports | — | 9 |
| Waterdromes | — | 10 |
| Accessibility Radius | — | 150 km (airport/transit point) |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Common Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| Policy period = till 2035 | Policy period is 2026–31; the 30.38 million passenger target is for 2035 |
| Waterdromes = airports | Waterdromes are seaplane docking facilities, not conventional airports |
| DGCA manages airports | AAI manages airports; DGCA is the regulatory/licensing body |
| UDAN = aviation policy | UDAN is a regional connectivity scheme under National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 |
Practice MCQs
1. What is the annual passenger handling target set under AP State Aviation Policy 2026-31 by 2035?
a. 12.5 million
b. 20 million
c. 30.38 million
d. 25 million
Ans: C
The AP State Aviation Policy 2026-31 targets scaling annual passenger handling from 6.2 million to 30.38 million by 2035.
2. How many waterdromes are planned under AP State Aviation Policy 2026-31?
a. 5
b. 7
c. 9
d. 10
Ans: D
10 waterdromes are planned (for seaplane operations) along with 9 new conventional airports under the policy.
3. Which body regulates civil aviation in India?
a. AAI
b. DGCA
c. BCAS
d. NACIL
Ans: B
DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) is the regulatory body for civil aviation in India. AAI manages airports, BCAS handles security, and NACIL was Air India’s holding company.
4. UDAN scheme stands for:
a. Urban Development of Airports Network
b. Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik
c. Unified Development of Aerodrome Network
d. Urban and Domestic Aviation Navigation
Ans: B
UDAN = Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik. It is a regional connectivity scheme launched under India’s National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 to make air travel affordable for common citizens.
5. What is the airport accessibility goal under AP Aviation Policy 2026-31?
a. Airport within 100-km radius
b. Airport within 200-km radius
c. Operational airport or transit point within 150-km radius
d. Helipad within 50-km radius
Ans: C
The policy targets providing an operational airport or transit point within a 150-km radius anywhere in Andhra Pradesh.
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