Air India Test Flight Lands on India’s Longest Runway at Bhogapuram Airport

The Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport in Andhra Pradesh achieved a critical milestone. An Air India commercial validation flight successfully landed on Sunday, January 4, 2026. This test flight marks a major step toward full commercial operations. The new airport is set to transform the aviation sector in the region.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu was aboard the flight. The aircraft traveled from New Delhi to the new Vizianagaram district facility. The airport is located about 50 km (31 miles) from Visakhapatnam.

Infrastructure and Development

The validation flight landed on the airport’s impressive 3.8 km-long runway. This runway is reported to be the longest in the country. Its length allows it to handle large wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. This capability is vital for future international services.

The airport is being constructed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL). GVIAL is a subsidiary of the GMR Group. The project uses a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The estimated cost for the first phase is around ₹4,592 crore to ₹4,725 crore. Officials from GMR Group state that 96 per cent of the airport works have been completed.

Operational Timeline and Connectivity

The airport is expected to begin full commercial flight operations soon. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the inauguration is anticipated in the next four to five months. This aligns with an expected opening in June 2026. The new facility will replace the existing Visakhapatnam civil enclave. That older airport has faced significant expansion limitations.

The new airport is named the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport. It is positioned to become a central hub for the Visakhapatnam economic region. Improving road connectivity is a high priority. Efforts are underway to provide seamless road access from the port city of Visakhapatnam. This includes examining the feasibility of an elevated expressway.

Impact on Aviation Talent and Economy

This new gateway is projected to give a big boost to air connectivity for North Coastal Andhra. It will help the region emerge as a major economic hub. The airport’s design allows for future expansion. Initial capacity is set to handle six million passengers annually. This capacity can be expanded to 18 million passengers later.

In a related development, the Aviation, Aerospace and Defence (AAD) EduCity was launched nearby. This project covers 136 acres. It is claimed to be India's first integrated AAD EduCity. The EduCity aims to address the acute global and domestic shortage of aviation professionals. It will position India as a leading supplier of aviation talent. The facility will integrate education, research, and industry collaboration.

• The successful test flight is a final step in the operational readiness process.
• The new airport is a catalyst for regional economic growth in North Andhra.
• The co-located AAD EduCity will create a talent pipeline for the growing Indian aviation market.
• The 3.8 km runway makes the airport a key asset for long-haul international operations.

For more updates on commercial aviation news and airport development, visit flying.flights. The new airport represents a significant investment in India’s aviation future. The successful validation flight confirms the project is on track for its mid-2026 opening.