Visakhapatnam Airport in India has commenced 24-hour operations.

From January 1st this year, continuous operations are taking place at the site as it seeks to cope with demand, the Economic Times reports.

The customs airport, which is operated by the Indian Navy, is very popular due to its proximity to the port city - it is only seven km away - and so the move has been made to reflect this. 

Routine maintenance, scheduled to be completed by January 16th, is also taking place at the location at the moment.

However, it has been planned in such a way as to minimise disruption, with Spice Jet the only carrier that has been forced to alter its flight times as a result of the repair work. 

The move should help the Airports Authority of India achieve its ambition of becoming a major transport hub within the Asia-Pacific region by 2016.