Bhogapuram Airport to start commercial flights August 17
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Vizianagaram is set to begin commercial operations on August 17 following its inauguration by PM Modi.
Bhogapuram Airport to start commercial flights August 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in the Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh. The greenfield facility is scheduled to begin commercial flight operations on August 17.
The airport serves as the second greenfield project to start operations in India this year, following the launch of the Jewar airport in Uttar Pradesh on June 15. Developed by the GMR group, the project was completed several months ahead of the original schedule.
GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd (GVIAL) built the facility under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, utilizing a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) framework. Financial contributions to the project include ₹1,583 crore provided by the state for infrastructure, while the total cost of development reached nearly ₹5,000 crore.
Infrastructure and Capacity
The integrated project covers a total of 2,703.26 acres. This includes 2,203.32 acres dedicated to the airport itself, an aviation hub spanning 500 acres, and an EduCity and aviation university occupying 136.63 acres. The broader development incorporates residential zones, approach roads, and commercial development.
The facility features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway designed to accommodate large aircraft, including the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. For passenger processing, the terminal is equipped with 40 check-in counters, 12 DigiYatra pods, self-baggage drop options, and a Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS). A total of 21 modern aerobridges have been installed.
Initial operational goals focus on the following capacities:
| Metric | Initial Capacity / Target | Future Target |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Passenger Handling | 6 million (60 lakh) | 40 million |
| Flight Landings | 10 to 12 per hour | Not specified |
| Cargo Terminal | 25,000 metric tons per year | Not specified |
Regional and Environmental Impact
The Andhra Pradesh government views the airport as a transformational asset intended to accelerate economic growth across the North Coastal Andhra region. According to the government, the site will serve as a gateway for North Andhra, boosting trade, tourism, and investment in sectors including services, manufacturing, and logistics. It is also expected to reduce the pressure currently placed on the existing Visakhapatnam airport.
The facility incorporates sustainability features, including a 5 MW solar plant, zero liquid discharge, and rainwater harvesting. The construction adheres to LEED Platinum standards. Inside the terminal, local culture is represented through Ponduru Khadi and Etikoppaka toys.
GMR Airports Ltd already manages six other airports and has now completed three greenfield projects across Goa, Hyderabad, and Bhogapuram.
"We are confident that the airport will emerge as a major gateway for India's eastern corridor, driving investment, employment and regional prosperity for decades to come,"
G B S Raju, Business Chairman of GMR Airports Ltd, via thehindubusinessline.com
During the inauguration, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu provided the Prime Minister with briefings on the infrastructure and future expansion plans for the site.
Commercial services will officially commence on August 17.
