New Delhi, 18thJuly, 2023:

The Prime Minister,Narendra Modi inaugurated the New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair via video conferencing.With a total built up area of 40,837 sqm., the new terminal building is capable to handle 1200 passengers during the busiest operational hour also known as peak hourand about 50 lakh passengers annually. The new passenger terminal building has three floors comprising of lower ground, upper ground and first floor. The lower ground floor will be used as remote arrival, bus lounge and service area; the upper ground floor as access to the terminal building for departure and arrival of the passengers and the first floor as Security Hold Area (SHA), for international passengers.

Stressing on the need of a new terminal building in Port Blair, HMCA said, “this airport will boost tourism, making Andaman & Nicobar Islands a gateway of employment, investment & education.”

Inspired from nature, the architectural design of the airport terminal resembles a shellshaped structure depicting sea and islands. The airport building isequipped with 28 check-in counters, 12 immigration counters, three passenger boarding bridges and three conveyor belts.An Apron suitable for two B-767-400 and two AB-321 typeof aircraft has also been constructed at Port Blair Airport at a cost of Rs. 80 Crore, making airport suitable for parking of 10 aircraft at a time.

Addressing the gathering, PM said that “even though today’s program is taking place in Port Blair, the entire nation is keenly looking towards the Union Territory as the demand for increasing the passenger handling capacity of Veer Savarkar International Airport is being fulfilled”.Operationalization of the new terminal building will give boost to the expanding tourism industry and will also embolden the island economy. Increased aerial connectivity to the islands will create new employment opportunities for the local community.