PM Modi to Open Andhra's First Greenfield International Airport at Bhogapuram
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The airport, which is being developed under a public-private partnership, is the state's first greenfield international airport since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh in 2014.
Since the bifurcation, Andhra Pradesh has been developing infrastructure projects to meet its growing needs. The Bhogapuram airport, located near Visakhapatnam, is one such key project. It has been constructed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore. In its first phase, it will handle six million passengers per year, significantly enhancing air connectivity for the northern coastal districts.
According to the official schedule, Mr. Modi will arrive at the airport at 10.45 a.m. and inaugurate the terminal at 10.58 a.m. He will inspect the facilities and then address a public meeting. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will receive the Prime Minister at the venue.
During his visit, Mr. Modi will also lay the foundation stones for several projects worth more than ₹17,900 crore across the state. These include a semiconductor plant at Visakhapatnam, transmission infrastructure for renewable energy zones in Kurnool and Anantapur, and four national highway projects. The projects are expected to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and improve infrastructure in the state.
The new airport will start scheduled commercial operations on August 17, 2026, after which the existing Visakhapatnam airport will cease civil operations. The transition of flight operations to the new facility is part of a planned shift, with airlines and passengers being informed in advance.
The airport is named after Alluri Sitarama Raju, a tribal freedom fighter who led the Rampa Rebellion against British rule in the early 20th century. The naming honors his legacy and contribution to India's independence movement.
Mr. Modi's visit marks his first public programme since the recent protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where various groups gathered to express their demands.
The inauguration of the greenfield airport is a significant development for Andhra Pradesh, which has been seeking to establish itself as a major aviation hub. Industry leaders and local residents have expressed optimism about the airport's potential to attract investment and tourism.
With the foundation stone laying for multiple projects, the Prime Minister's visit is expected to strengthen the state's infrastructure and economic growth. Security arrangements have been put in place for the event, which will be attended by state ministers, officials, and other dignitaries.
