India's New Bhogapuram International Airport Cleared for June 2026 Takeoff
Key Points
- 1The Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) International Airport completed its first commercial validation flight on January 4, 2026, using an Air India Airbus A320.
- 2The greenfield airport, developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited, is 97% complete and scheduled for inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 26, 2026.
- 3The new facility will serve as the North Andhra aviation hub, allowing unlimited international flights under the open skies framework and freeing the Indian Navy's INS Dega for enhanced naval operations.
- 4The project includes plans for a full aerospace ecosystem, including Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and aviation education centers.
The Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) International Airport at Bhogapuram has successfully completed its first commercial validation flight, marking a crucial step toward full operational readiness. An Air India Airbus A320 aircraft landed on January 4, 2026, at the new facility. This event signals the imminent opening of the India greenfield airport project.
The formal inauguration is scheduled for June 26, 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to perform the ceremony. The airport will serve as the primary Visakhapatnam aviation hub for the North Andhra districts.
Operational Readiness and Development
The validation flight carried Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and senior officials. The aircraft received a traditional water cannon salute upon arrival. This exercise validated the airport's airside infrastructure and navigational aids. The successful landing is a mandatory prerequisite for securing the aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The project is being developed and operated by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL). Officials reported that construction is approximately 96-97% complete. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the accelerated pace of execution. He noted the project reached 96% completion from just 23% in a record timeframe.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu praised the successful landing. He described the new airport as the future of the region. The facility is strategically located, about 44 km from Visakhapatnam and 23 km from Vizianagaram.
Key Details and Capacity
- Initial Capacity: The first phase is built to handle six million passengers per annum (MPPA).
- Future Expansion: The airport is planned for phased development. It will eventually handle up to 45 MPPA.
- Resilience: The airport is engineered to withstand severe cyclonic conditions. It can sustain wind speeds up to 275 kmph.
Strategic Vision and Regional Impact
The Bhogapuram International Airport is designed to transform the region's economy. It will significantly enhance North Andhra regional connectivity. The airport will also strengthen trade and boost tourism potential.
Open Skies and International Access
Visakhapatnam is covered under India's open skies framework. This policy allows for an unlimited number of international flights. The Minister of Civil Aviation expects strong interest from international airlines. This is due to the advanced standards implemented at the ASR International Airport. The new facility will attract investment and place the region on the global commerce map, according to a GMR official.
Aerospace Ecosystem Development
The vision for the airport extends beyond passenger and cargo services. It aims to build an entire aerospace ecosystem. This includes Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. Plans also include dedicated aviation education and training centers.
Transition from INS Dega
Once the Bhogapuram International Airport is operational, it will replace the current facility. The existing airport operates as a civilian enclave within the Indian Navy's INS Dega air station. Civilian and cargo services will shift entirely to the new site. This move will free up the INS Dega airfield. The Navy plans to enhance its capacity for naval aviation operations. This separation resolves the expansion difficulties caused by shared air traffic. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.
This development aligns with the government's push to transform India into a major international aviation market. The new airport is a catalyst for broader economic transformation.
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