First Validation Flight Lands at Bhogapuram International Airport

Historic Milestone: First Validation Flight Lands at Bhogapuram International Airport
Vizianagaram: In a significant boost to Andhra Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure, the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (commonly known as Bhogapuram International Airport) achieved a major milestone today with the successful landing of its first commercial validation flight. An Air India Airbus A320, carrying Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu, and senior officials from the Airports Authority of India and Directorate General of Civil Aviation, touched down smoothly around 11 am. The aircraft received a ceremonial water cannon salute, symbolising the near-completion of the greenfield project.
Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited under a public-private partnership model, the airport is reportedly 97% complete. The trial validated the 3.8-km runway, navigational aids, and infrastructure, clearing the path for an aerodrome licence. Minister Naidu hailed the event as “historic,” noting rapid progress under the current government. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the people of Uttarandhra, calling it a “new milestone” for regional connectivity and economic growth.
Located about 50 km from Visakhapatnam, the airport will initially handle 6 million passengers annually, expandable to 18 million. It is set to replace the existing Visakhapatnam Airport for civilian operations, fostering tourism, trade, and industrial development in northern Andhra Pradesh.Commercial flights are targeted to commence after formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 26, 2026. The project promises enhanced connectivity, job creation, and a transformative impact on the region’s economy.