Bhogapuram International Airport Set to Open on August 1: Key Facts

The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram is scheduled to open on August 1, according to GMR Airports Limited (GAL). The airport, located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, is expected to serve the Visakhapatnam Economic Region and neighbouring areas.

The foundation stone for the project was laid by former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy on May 3, 2023. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to dedicate the airport to the nation next month.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu stated earlier this month that the airport would be inaugurated soon, describing it as a major development landmark and a symbol of pride for Andhra Pradesh. He also highlighted the integration of traditional Telugu cultural elements in the terminal's modern design.

The airport has received all necessary regulatory clearances for flight operations, including an Aerodrome Licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), notification as an Immigration Check Post (ICP), Customs notification under Section 8 of the Customs Act, and Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board.

Location

The Bhogapuram International Airport is situated near Vizag and will serve Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and neighbouring districts of southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh. The airport is expected to bolster the Visakhapatnam Economic Region by supporting tourism, trade, logistics, manufacturing, and investment across North Coastal Andhra. Both central and state governments are accelerating road connectivity projects linking the airport with Visakhapatnam and surrounding districts, including seven key approach roads and enhanced public transport services.

Passenger Capacity

Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), the airport will initially handle 6 million passengers per year, with the capacity expandable to over 40 million annually in future phases. The development is planned in three phases.

Features

The airport features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, an integrated passenger terminal, cargo facilities, and modern airside infrastructure capable of handling both domestic and international flights. GAL stated that sustainability is a core focus, with renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally responsible infrastructure integrated into the design to support efficient, resilient, and future-ready operations.