The Alluri Sitharama Raju Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh is set to become operational soon after receiving its aerodrome licence from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, completing all regulatory and safety requirements for commercial operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the airport by the end of July, with commercial flight services likely to begin within a week of the inauguration. The project has been completed nearly six months ahead of its original schedule through the joint efforts of the Andhra Pradesh government, the Union government, GMR Group and the Airports Authority of India.
Located in Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, the airport is around 60 kilometres northeast of Visakhapatnam. Although situated in Vizianagaram, it has been developed as the primary international gateway for the Visakhapatnam metropolitan region and north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
The launch of Bhogapuram Airport will not replace the existing Visakhapatnam Airport. Instead, both airports will continue operating. The current Visakhapatnam Airport, which functions as a civil enclave alongside the Indian Navy’s INS Dega airbase, will remain operational, while Bhogapuram is expected to gradually emerge as the region’s main commercial aviation hub.
Developed by GMR Group at an estimated cost of ₹4,500 crore, the greenfield airport spans nearly 2,200 acres. It features a 78,000-square-metre passenger terminal, a 20,000-metric-tonne cargo terminal, modern aircraft parking bays, advanced baggage handling systems, upgraded security infrastructure and a design inspired by the silhouette of a flying fish, reflecting the cultural identity of north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
The airport has been designed to handle up to 40 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest aviation hubs in southern India. Its infrastructure also allows for future expansion as passenger traffic and airline operations grow.
Travellers are expected to benefit from a wider choice of domestic and international flights, reduced congestion, faster check-in and baggage processing, enhanced security screening, improved passenger amenities, spacious lounges and better parking facilities. The airport’s larger capacity is also expected to attract more airlines and improve regional connectivity, supporting tourism, trade and economic growth across north coastal Andhra Pradesh.