Tourism in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands could continue to struggle over the next several years as long-standing air connectivity challenges remain unresolved. Industry experts believe inadequate airport infrastructure is preventing the islands from reaching their full tourism potential.
New Delhi: The proposed extension of the runway at INS Baaz in Campbell Bay, which was expected to improve connectivity, has reportedly been put on hold. As a result, visitors continue to depend largely on Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram (formerly Port Blair), where weather-related disruptions and limited operational flexibility often affect flight schedules.
Officials estimate that the Andaman Islands are currently welcoming only around 60–65% of the tourist traffic they can sustainably accommodate. High airfares remain another major concern, prompting many domestic travellers to choose nearby international destinations such as Thailand, where travel costs are often comparable, and connectivity is more convenient.
According to tourism stakeholders, airlines continue to factor operational uncertainties into ticket pricing, resulting in relatively expensive fares from mainland cities. Limited airport alternatives also reduce flexibility when flights are affected by adverse weather conditions.
To address these challenges, the government is developing a greenfield airport in Great Nicobar, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity and support long-term tourism growth. However, the project is currently targeted for completion around 2031, meaning the islands may continue to face tourism constraints for several more years.
Tourism industry representatives believe improved aviation infrastructure will be crucial for enhancing visitor access, reducing travel costs, and helping the Andaman and Nicobar Islands compete more effectively with other popular beach destinations across Asia.
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