Countdown Begins for North Andhra’s Largest Aviation Milestone
Visakhapatnam, 30th July 2026: The countdown has officially begun for the inauguration of Vizag Airport, named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi set to dedicate Andhra Pradesh’s newest international airport to the nation on August 1, 2026. The inauguration marks the culmination of one of India’s most significant aviation infrastructure projects and heralds a new era of enhanced connectivity, economic growth and regional development for North Coastal Andhra.
Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited, the greenfield airport has been designed to meet the region’s growing aviation needs with an initial capacity of 6 millions passengers per annum (MPPA), scalable to more than 40 MPPA in future phases. The airport features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, a modern integrated passenger terminal, dedicated cargo facilities and advanced airside infrastructure capable of handling both domestic and international Operations.
Demonstrating its readiness for commercial operations, the airport has secured all major statutory and regulatory clearances, including the Aerodrome Licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), security vetting approvals from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), notification as an Immigration Check Post (ICP), Customs notification under Section 8 of the Customs Act, Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, along with other mandatory operational approvals from the concerned regulatory authorities. These approvals pave the way for the commencement of scheduled commercial operations immediately after inauguration.
Strategically located at Bhogapuram near Vizag, the airport will serve as the primary aviation gateway for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and neighbouring districts of southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh, significantly improving access to major domestic and international destinations. It is also expected to strengthen the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) by supporting tourism, trade, logistics, manufacturing and investment across North Coastal Andhra.
Ahead of the inauguration, the Central and State Governments have accelerated road connectivity projects linking the airport with Visakhapatnam and surrounding districts. Seven key approach roads, enhanced public transport services and improved highway connectivity are expected to provide seamless access for passengers travelling to and from the airport.
Beyond passenger connectivity, the airport is expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term economic development. Its dedicated cargo infrastructure, proximity to industrial corridors and planned aviation ecosystem will strengthen export competitiveness, improve logistics efficiency and support emerging sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, electronics, seafood exports and advanced manufacturing.
The airport has also been developed with sustainability at its core, incorporating renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible infrastructure to support efficient, resilient and future-ready operations.
With final preparations entering their last phase, government agencies, regulatory authorities, airport stakeholders and partner organisations are working in close coordination to ensure the successful inauguration and operational launch of the airport.
The opening of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a defining milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation journey, creating new opportunities for passengers, businesses and investors while reinforcing Visakhapatnam’s position as the “Gateway of the East” and a major engine of economic growth for eastern India.
