In terms of capacity, Air India One dwarfs its Pakistani counterpart. The Boeing 777 can ordinarily seat more than 300 passengers in a commercial layout, but in its VVIP configuration it has been redesigned to carry the Prime Minister, senior officials, security personnel, and support staff. It includes luxury suites, a dedicated medical centre, a secure conference hall, and several cabin sections for staff and delegates. The Gulfstream IV is designed for much smaller delegations, usually seating between 14 and 18 people. Its interiors are plush and well-appointed, with comfortable seating and meeting tables, but the limited space makes it suitable only for compact entourages.

Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh announced that the State has attracted nearly INR 12,000 crore in tourism sector investments over the past year. These investments have supported the construction and upgrading of multiple tourist facilities across Andhra Pradesh, aimed at boosting visitor numbers and improving infrastructure. Speaking at the inauguration of the modernised Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) Haritha Hotel, popularly known as Yatrinivas, at Appughar, he outlined the State’s vision for a more vibrant tourism sector.

The newly renovated Yatrinivas has been given a major facelift, featuring air-conditioned suites, deluxe and executive rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and a meeting hall. The Minister revealed that INR 13.5 crore had been invested to modernise the property, which now boasts 41 rooms equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. He emphasised that such projects are part of a broader government plan to upgrade hotels and resorts across the State to meet the needs of both domestic and international tourists.

Following the inauguration, Durgesh inspected the new facilities at Yatrinivas and expressed optimism that these upgrades would significantly improve the tourist experience. He also visited Tyda and Jungle Bells Resorts in Ananthagiri mandal, Alluri Sitharama Raju district, pointing out that these sites had suffered from neglect under the previous government. According to him, the tourism and forest departments are now collaborating to revitalise these locations and restore their appeal.

The Minister further noted that the Union government is extending substantial support for tourism development in Andhra Pradesh. Key pilgrimage destinations such as Annavaram and Simhachalam are being improved, with a focus on providing better accommodation for devotees. Additionally, the government is prioritising the development of scenic tribal areas like Lambasingi and Vanjangi, with assistance from Central schemes, to attract more visitors and boost local economies.

Durgesh was critical of the previous administration, accusing it of failing to utilise the State’s rich tourism potential. He claimed that such inaction led to missed opportunities for growth and job creation. In contrast, he asserted that the current coalition government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, is actively working to revitalise the industry and create employment opportunities for the youth.

Earlier in the day, the Minister inaugurated a Tourism CRW Counter at RK Beach in Visakhapatnam. This facility will allow tourists to book tickets for hop-on-hop-off double-decker buses operating between RK Beach and Totlakonda. He expressed confidence that improved accessibility, modernised infrastructure, and coordinated promotional efforts will position Andhra Pradesh as a leading tourism destination in India.

CareEdge Ratings has stated that despite short-term challenges, the Indian aviation sector is well-positioned for long-term growth. The optimism is driven by favourable demographics, a supportive regulatory environment, rising non-aeronautical revenue per passenger, and expanding city-side airport development. Passenger traffic is projected to grow from 412 million in 2024–25 to 470 million by 2026–27, showing strong underlying demand.

India is now the third-largest aviation market in the world, behind only the United States and China. Airports across the country continue to maintain a steady share of global passenger traffic, which CareEdge sees as evidence of deep structural demand. This stability is expected to encourage further investment in capacity expansion and infrastructure upgrades.

Supportive policies have created a conducive climate for private sector participation in airport development. Long-term investment prospects are strengthened by a young population, an expanding middle class, and a growing appetite for travel—factors that continue to drive consistent passenger growth.

Non-aeronautical revenue streams such as retail, food and beverage, parking, and other commercial services are also rising steadily. This trend is helping improve profitability for airport operators while reducing reliance on aeronautical charges, making the business model more sustainable.

City-side development is emerging as a major opportunity for the sector. Real estate, hospitality, logistics, and commercial spaces around airports are transforming them into integrated urban hubs, unlocking significant long-term value and attracting diverse forms of investment.

Rajashree Murkute, Senior Director at CareEdge Ratings, noted that India’s aviation sector is in a transformative phase as one of the fastest-growing air passenger markets globally. She said that strategic investments in infrastructure, combined with growth in related sectors such as roads, ports, and renewable energy, will not only boost GDP and urbanisation but also strengthen resilience and sustainability in the years ahead.