The inaugural flight from Chennai departed from the New Integrated Terminal Building of Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair.
The airplane arrived here on Sunday, according to an announcement from the Airports Authority of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi used video conferencing to inaugurate Port Blair Airport’s new integrated terminal on July 18, 2023.
The terminal, which has a total built-up space of 40,837 square meters, can serve 1200 passengers during peak hours and approximately 50 lakh passengers yearly. The airport facility has 28 check-in desks, 12 immigration desks, three passenger boarding bridges, and three conveyor belts. The airport’s apron can accommodate up to ten aircraft at once.
The airport terminal’s architectural design is inspired by nature and resembles a shell-shaped building portraying sea and islands. The building also has current ecological measures, as well as different accessibility amenities for people with limited mobility, among other things.
The new terminal building’s operation and greater aerial access to the islands are projected to boost the developing tourism business while offering new job possibilities for the local community.