We, the members of the Rayalaseema community residing in Kuwait, UAE & the Middle East countries seek your kind support to request Andhra Pradesh goverment for direct international flights to Tirupati Airport.

This benefits thousands of people from Kadapa and Annamayya districts who currently reside in these regions and face numerous challenges due to the lack of direct connectivity to their homeland.

BENEFITS OF DIRECT FLIGHTS:

• Convenience for Travelers: Reduced travel time and costs, along with better connectivity to their hometowns.
• Economic Growth: Increased export opportunities for farmers, boosting the agricultural and horticultural economy of the region.
• Tourism and Pilgrimage: Enhanced accessibility for international tourists and pilgrims to Tirupati, benefiting the local economy.

CHALLENGES FACED BY THE COMMUNITY:

• Dependence on Chennai Airport:
• High Transportation Costs:
• Language Barriers:
• Impact on Farmers and Trade:

Most residents from Rayalaseema are forced to use Chennai International Airport for their travel, which is about 300 km away from their native places. The travel time from Chennai to their homes ranges between 10 to 15 hours, causing immense hardship, especially for elderly passengers and families with young children.

Chennai Airport management does not permit Andhra Pradesh-registered taxis to pick up passengers from the airport. This restriction compels our people to use Chennai-based taxis, which charge exorbitant round-trip fares, making it financially burdensome for many, particularly the blue-collar workers.

The lack of Telugu-speaking staff and taxi drivers at Chennai Airport adds to the difficulties faced by our community members, leading to communication issues and misunderstandings.

In addition to the travel woes of the expatriates, the absence of direct flights also affects the agricultural sector of Rayalaseema. The Middle East, including Kuwait and the UAE, imports a significant quantity of vegetables, fruits, and other fresh products from India. Direct flights would open up new market opportunities for farmers in Rayalaseema, allowing them to export their produce directly to these markets, thereby increasing their income and reducing wastage due to transportation delays.

OUR REQUEST:

We respectfully request the Government of Andhra Pradesh to take the following measures:

• Initiate Direct Flights:

Propose the introduction of at least three direct flights per week from Tirupati to major destinations like Kuwait and Dubai. This will significantly reduce travel time and expenses for the large Rayalaseema diaspora in these regions.

• Enhance Market Access for Farmers:

The establishment of direct flights will not only benefit travelers but also provide a direct channel for exporting agricultural produce from Rayalaseema to the Middle East. This will greatly benefit farmers, ensuring better prices for their products and boosting the region's economy.

• Support for Blue-Collar Workers:

A large proportion of the Rayalaseema population in Kuwait and the UAE consists of blue-collar workers. Direct flights will reduce their travel costs and time, making it easier for them to visit their families and support their communities.

We earnestly hope that the Government of Andhra Pradesh will consider this representation favorably and take prompt action to establish direct international flights to Tirupati. This step will not only alleviate the hardships faced by thousands of people but also open up new avenues for economic development in the Rayalaseema region.

Thanking for your support.