On March 18, 2024, Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter and transport aircraft executed operations on an Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) airstrip situated on National Highway 16 near Addanki in Bapatla district. During the activation, Su-30 and Hawk fighters performed overshoots with precision, while An-32 and Dornier transport aircraft successfully landed and took off from the strip. This demonstration underscored the exceptional coordination between civil agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), district administration, state police, and the IAF, showcasing their ability to execute multifaceted activities seamlessly.

Notably, a similar activation took place on December 29, 2022. The ELF airstrip, measuring 4.1 kilometers in length and 33 meters in width, was constructed by NHAI in accordance with specifications provided by the IAF. While several airstrips are operational across the country, this particular ELF in Andhra Pradesh has recently become operational in peninsular India.

ELF highway airstrips significantly enhance the flexibility of air operations during emergencies and serve as invaluable assets during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in remote areas. The IAF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), is actively working on establishing ELF facilities at suitable locations to bolster the nation’s preparedness for various contingencies.