Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh | January 2026

The Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh achieved a major milestone on Sunday with the successful landing of its first commercial validation flight, signalling that the greenfield airport is moving closer to full-scale operations. The airport is located in Vizianagaram district, about 50 kilometres from Visakhapatnam.

An Air India Airbus A320 aircraft arrived from New Delhi at around 11 am as part of trial operations. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute on the 3.8-kilometre-long runway, marking the successful completion of the first validation run. The trial was conducted to assess the airport’s airside infrastructure, runway systems, navigational aids and overall operational preparedness, in accordance with the guidelines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Officials said the airport is nearing operational readiness, with only some civil and interior works pending. Formally named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (ASRIA), the project honours legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju.

The validation flight carried Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, Vizianagaram Member of Parliament Kalisetti Appala Naidu and senior officials. Addressing the gathering after the landing, Rammohan Naidu described the occasion as a historic moment for Andhra Pradesh. He said the Bhogapuram airport would act as a major growth engine by creating jobs, strengthening regional industries and significantly improving connectivity for people and businesses. He added that the project would boost trade, exports and tourism in the state.

Senior district officials, including Vizianagaram Collector S Ramsundar Reddy and Joint Collector Sedhu Madhavan, along with executives of the GMR Group, were present to welcome the dignitaries.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also congratulated the people of North Andhra Pradesh, calling the successful validation flight a new milestone for aviation in the state. In a social media post, he said the airport, which was planned and initiated during the NDA government’s tenure between 2014 and 2019, is expected to begin commercial flight operations from June.

Spread over 2,200 acres, Bhogapuram Airport is the country’s second greenfield airport after Navi Mumbai. Built at an estimated cost of ₹4,725 crore, it has the capacity to handle up to 200 flights a day and 18 aircraft during night parking. In its initial phase, the airport will cater to around six million passengers annually, with a future capacity of 18 million passengers.

The airport is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8 and will feature an aerotropolis, an aviation hub and a modern cargo terminal to support efficient logistics and trade.

 Bhogapuram International Airport Clears First Major Hurdle as Validation Flight Lands Successfully

Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh marked a significant step towards becoming operational with the successful landing of its first validation flight on Sunday. The greenfield airport, located in Vizianagaram district around 50 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, is now in the final phase of readiness and is expected to begin commercial operations by June.

An Air India Airbus A320 aircraft arrived from New Delhi at approximately 11 am as part of trial operations. The flight was welcomed with a ceremonial water salute on the 3.8-kilometre runway, symbolising the completion of the airport’s first successful trial landing. Officials said the exercise was conducted to evaluate critical infrastructure, including runway systems, navigational aids and overall operational preparedness, as mandated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The airport, officially named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (ASRIA) after the renowned freedom fighter, is nearing completion, with only limited civil and interior work remaining. The validation flight carried Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu, Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu and senior officials.

Addressing those present after the touchdown, Rammohan Naidu described the event as a landmark moment in Andhra Pradesh’s development journey. He said the Bhogapuram airport would emerge as a catalyst for economic growth, generating employment, strengthening regional industries and enhancing air connectivity. He also highlighted its potential to boost tourism, trade and exports across the state.

The minister and accompanying dignitaries were received by Vizianagaram Collector S Ramsundar Reddy, Joint Collector Sedhu Madhavan and senior representatives of the GMR Group, which is developing the project.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the people of North Andhra Pradesh on the successful validation flight, calling it a major milestone for aviation in the state. In a message shared on social media, he said the airport was conceptualised during the NDA government’s tenure between 2014 and 2019 and is expected to be ready for commercial flights from June this year.

Spread across nearly 2,200 acres, Bhogapuram Airport is the country’s second greenfield airport after Navi Mumbai. Built at an estimated cost of ₹4,725 crore, the facility can handle up to 200 flights daily and provide parking for around 18 aircraft at night. In its initial phase, the airport will serve nearly six million passengers annually, with plans to scale up capacity to 18 million passengers in the future.

The 3.8-kilometre-long runway is capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8. The airport will also feature an aerotropolis, an aviation hub and a modern cargo terminal, positioning it as a key infrastructure project for Andhra Pradesh’s long-term growth.