First flight may take off from Bhogapuram International Airport by January-end

The first phase of Bhogapuram International Airport being developed near Visakhapatnam by the GMR Group at an estimated cost of Rs.4,592 crore is likely to be ready in the New Year.

It will operate commercial flights after receiving all approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the regulatory body. After a high-level meeting with the airport officials, Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said the Bhogapuram International Airport named as Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport will have its first test flight either at the end of December 2025 or January, 2026. He said 91.7% of work is completed, much ahead of schedule. He announced that an aviation university as well as a skill university will come up in the area. Talks are also being held with the management of IndiGo, one of its hubs. GMR Group is also contemplating developing an aero city. The first phase comprises a 3800 meter runway and a 5,000 sq. meter cargo terminal to handle six million passengers a year. Once it is fully operational, it will handle 12 million passengers and subsequently to scale it up to 18 million in phases. The State Government has allotted 2200 acres to GMR Group for developing the international airport strategically located to enable passengers to reach it from undivided Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and Visakhapatnam districts in a hassle-free manner.

Air Cargo Forum of India (ACFI) chairman G. Sambasiva Rao told Bizz Buzz that there is a growing need to strengthen air connectivity as well as cargo transport mechanism in Andhra Pradesh to improve export and import businesses through high-value consignments and expressed satisfaction over fast-track development of the Bhogapuram International Airport.

The Visakhapatnam International Airport, which is a civil enclave located on INS Dega air base of the Indian Navy. It has a 10,000 ft runway with night-landing facility. Once Bhogapuram International Airport becomes commercially operational, the Visakhapatnam Airport will be used only for defence purposes and VVIP landings like Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.

The Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to be a game-changer in the region as it is projected to provide improved connectivity, attract investments from businesses and industries from across the world, create opportunities for tourism and contribute to the overall development of the region.

As per the concession agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Government, GMR Airports Infrastructure Ltd will design, build, finance and operate the international airport for an initial term of 40 years. The first phase of the project is expected to be constructed in three years. The airport will have a dedicated state-of-the-art cargo terminal catering to exports, aerotropolis and airport city within the vicinity, ensuring world-class facilities for efficient cargo operations. GMR Group is a leading global infrastructure conglomerate with unparalleled expertise in designing, building, and operating airports. It also has a significant presence in sectors like energy, transportation and urban infrastructure.