Bhogapuram International Airport ready for take-off, set for commercial operations
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The Alluri Sitharama Raju Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh has secured its aerodrome licence from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, marking the completion of the greenfield airport project and paving the way for the start of commercial flight operations.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who inspected the airport on Tuesday along with public representatives, district officials and representatives of GMR Group, said the project has achieved 100% completion following the grant of the licence after a month-long safety and operational assessment.
“The airport has completed all mandatory safety and operational requirements, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued the aerodrome licence," the minister said.
He added that the Chief Minister's Office has already approached the Prime Minister's Office to finalise the inauguration date. Commercial flight operations are expected to commence within a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the airport.
Naidu said the project has been completed six months ahead of its original December 2026 deadline through coordinated efforts by the Union government, the Andhra Pradesh government, GMR Group and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
"I'm excited to share that the airport will be inaugurated very soon. I can't wait for people to witness and experience this masterfully executed project. It is set to become a landmark of progress and a symbol of pride for Uttarandhra," he wrote in a post on X.
The minister described the airport as a major infrastructure project that is expected to strengthen economic activity across north coastal Andhra Pradesh by improving domestic and international air connectivity. Designed to handle up to 40 million passengers annually in phases, the airport is expected to serve as a key aviation hub for the Visakhapatnam region, which has witnessed rapid growth in manufacturing, information technology, pharmaceuticals and tourism.
The terminal building has been designed in the shape of a flying fish, reflecting the cultural identity and maritime heritage of north coastal Andhra Pradesh. The airport also houses a dedicated cargo terminal with an annual handling capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes, aimed at supporting exports of seafood, pharmaceuticals, mangoes and other agricultural produce from the region.
To improve last-mile connectivity, Naidu said seven traffic-free approach roads are being planned, including a six-lane coastal corridor linking RK Beach in Visakhapatnam with Bhogapuram. He added that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs is also examining a proposal to develop a double-decker Metro corridor connecting Visakhapatnam with the new airport.
Bhogapuram International Airport is being developed by GMR Group under a public-private partnership model and will eventually replace the capacity-constrained Visakhapatnam Airport as the region's primary aviation gateway.