Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
INDIA. Today’s images come from Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, where GMR Aero is putting a strong sense of place at the heart of the new gateway’s design.
The images were shared by GMR Visakhapatnam Int’l Airport CEO Kanwarbir Singh Kalra on LinkedIn.
Located in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh, the airport draws on the region’s rich culture, heritage, craftsmanship and traditions in its architecture and interior design.
Among the most striking architectural elements is the airport’s soaring roof, whose fluid form takes inspiration from the flying fish of the Bay of Bengal.
Inside, a series of art installations bring a deeply evocative sense of place to life at the heart of the airport.
A suspended floral and woven ceiling feature is a standout element. It is inspired by the Nadaswaram, the traditional reed instrument associated with auspicious occasions and temple ceremonies across South India.
Elsewhere, a wall installation references Teppotsavam, the sacred float festival celebrated at temples across Andhra Pradesh.
Another feature celebrates the Bobbili veena, the GI-tagged hand-carved string instrument. The centuries-old Bobbili veena craft is sustained by specialist artisan communities in and around Bobbili, where generations of craftspeople have preserved the distinctive instrument-making tradition.
Another art installation combines light and shadow to evoke Tholu Bommalata, Andhra Pradesh’s centuries-old tradition of leather shadow puppetry.
The airport anchors the wider GMR Aerocity Vizag project, a mixed-use development spanning 793 acres. Located within one of the state’s emerging growth corridors, the development brings together global connectivity, industrial and commercial infrastructure, talent and training ecosystems and sustainable mixed-use development.
The key elements are an aerospace and defence park, commercial development and residential communities. ✈
