3 weeks ago
Tirupati Airport gets e-Visa entry facility; international flights still awaited
An airport is a place where airplanes take off and land.
The Indian government said that people from other countries holding special travel permits called e-Visas can now arrive through Tirupati airport.
E-Visas are online permits that let people visit India.
Tirupati is a famous city because many pilgrims visit the holy Tirumala temple there.
The government also added Bhopal airport to the same list.
This is good news, but it does not mean international flights will start right away.
Airlines decide where to fly based on whether the routes will make money.
Some airlines, like IndiGo and Air India Express, want financial support before starting flights from Tirupati.
The airport's runway was made longer so big planes can land.
People hope international flights will come soon so visitors can reach the temple city more easily.
The Union government added Tirupati and Bhopal airports to India's list of designated ports for e-Visa entry.
India now has 88 international e-Visa entry ports — 37 airports, 38 seaports and 13 land ports — serving nationals of 172 countries.
The new facility eases entry for foreign pilgrims heading to Tirumala, but does not guarantee regular international flight connectivity.
Airlines including IndiGo and Air India Express have sought viability gap funding to offset initial operational losses before launching international services from Tirupati.
Tirupati airport's runway was extended from 2,286 metres to 3,810 metres in February 2025 to enable Code E (wide-bodied) aircraft operations.
- Who
- The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the notification; Tirupati MP Dr M Gurumoorthy welcomed it, and airlines IndiGo and Air India Express are in discussions.
- What
- Tirupati and Bhopal airports were added to India's list of designated ports, allowing foreign nationals holding Indian e-Visas to use them as authorised entry points.
- Where
- Tirupati, India, and Bhopal; the facility aims to ease access to the Tirumala pilgrimage destination.
- When
- The notification was issued on Monday; Tirupati was designated an international airport in 2017, and its extended runway was commissioned in February 2025.
- Why
- To ease travel for foreign pilgrims visiting Tirumala and tourists visiting the region, because Tirupati draws pilgrims from around the world.
Advocates of international connectivity
Airlines citing commercial viability
Timing of international air services
Advocates of international connectivity
Supporters, including Tirupati MP Dr M Gurumoorthy, call international air services a long-standing passenger demand and point to a customs feasibility report favouring the proposal.
Airlines citing commercial viability
The Centre says international services are primarily a commercial decision for airlines, based on route viability, passenger demand, bilateral agreements and airline policies, so no start is guaranteed.
Financial support for new routes
Advocates of international connectivity
Supporters want airlines to launch international services and see the e-Visa and runway upgrades as steps toward meeting that demand.
Airlines citing commercial viability
Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express have sought viability gap funding to offset initial operational losses before committing to launch services.
Key facts
- New e-Visa entry ports
- Tirupati and Bhopal airports
- Total e-Visa ports in India
- 88 (37 airports, 38 seaports, 13 land ports)
- Nationals eligible
- 172 countries
- International airport status
- Gazette notification in 2017
- Runway extension
- 2,286 metres to 3,810 metres for Code E aircraft, commissioned in February 2025
- Airlines in discussions
- IndiGo and Air India Express
- Airlines' request
- Viability gap funding to offset initial operational losses
- Supporting MP
- Dr M Gurumoorthy, MP of Tirupati
Quotes
Dr M Gurumoorthy
Tirupati Member of Parliament
“"significant step towards making international air services from the pilgrim city a reality and meeting a long-standing demand of passengers."”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Related news
India expands e-visa network to 88 ports with 11 additions
India Expands E-Visa Entry To 88 Ports Including Attari
ASR International Airport at Bhogapuram to start operations August 17
India adds Jaigaon, Darranga e-Visa points to boost Bhutan ties
Bhogapuram Airport Takes Over as Vizag Flights End
Digi Yatra Goes Global: India's Airport Tech Eyes International Travelers
Tirupati Airport Included in 50-Year Private Management Plan
