Nellore Airport

The project was not closed, but its construction was stalled around 2018-2019. The primary reasons for the halt include a lack of funding, withdrawal of interest by the state government at the time, and changes in governmental priorities. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) had prepared a master plan, but the project could not proceed without financial commitment from the state government.

The site at Dagadarthi consists of a large, fenced-off tract of land with preliminary earthworks completed. Satellite imagery shows a partially cleared and graded runway strip and taxiway outlines. However, no major infrastructure like a terminal building, ATC tower, or pavement has been constructed. The site is currently unused and in a state of limbo, awaiting the resumption of the project.

The airport has no operational history as it was never completed. Its significance lies in its strategic planning. The project was initiated to create a low-cost, no-frills airport to serve the burgeoning industrial and commercial needs of the Nellore district, which is home to the Krishnapatnam Port and the Sri City industrial park. It was also intended to provide better connectivity to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) at Sriharikota. The initial phase involved land acquisition of over 1,350 acres and the construction of a perimeter wall.

There are strong prospects for the project to be revived and completed. In recent years (2022-2024), there have been renewed discussions between the Government of India and the Government of Andhra Pradesh to restart the project. It is being considered for development under the central government's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme to enhance regional connectivity. Officials have inspected the site, and proposals are being formulated to complete the construction in phases, initially to handle ATR-72 type aircraft. A firm timeline for the resumption of work and completion has not yet been finalized, but the intent to make the airport operational remains.