Bhogapuram Airport Licence Issued, Flights To Begin Soon
Vizianagaram, July 9, 2026: The much-awaited Alluri Sitharama Raju Bhogapuram International Airport has moved closer to launch after receiving its aerodrome licence from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said the airport has achieved 100 per cent completion and is now ready for inauguration.
The minister announced after inspecting the airport along with public representatives, district officials, and GMR representatives. He said the licence was issued after detailed verification of safety, technical, and operational standards over the past month.
Bhogapuram Airport Licence Clears Final Hurdle
The issuance of the Bhogapuram airport licence is a major milestone for the greenfield airport project in Andhra Pradesh. According to Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, the Chief Minister’s Office has already contacted the Prime Minister’s Office to finalise the inauguration date.
Commercial flight operations are expected to begin within a week after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the airport. This makes the project one of the most important aviation developments for North Andhra and the Visakhapatnam region.
Alluri Sitharama Raju Airport Completed Ahead Of Schedule
The airport was earlier targeted for completion by December 2026. However, the project has been completed six months ahead of schedule due to coordination between the Andhra Pradesh government, the Union government, GMR Group, and the Airports Authority of India.
The Alluri Sitharama Raju Airport update is significant because the project is expected to improve air connectivity, support tourism, and strengthen business movement across north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
GMR’s official airport information says GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited holds the concession to develop Bhogapuram International Airport, which is planned as a modern gateway for Visakhapatnam and the surrounding districts.
North Andhra Aviation Hub To Boost Growth
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu described the airport as a major economic driver for North Andhra. The airport has been designed to handle large passenger traffic in phases, with reports stating that it can eventually manage up to 40 million passengers annually.
The terminal building has been designed with inspiration from the shape of a flying fish. The design reflects the maritime culture and heritage of north coastal Andhra Pradesh while giving the airport a distinct regional identity.
Once operational, the airport is expected to reduce pressure on the existing Visakhapatnam airport and serve as a key aviation hub for passengers from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and nearby districts.
Bhogapuram Cargo Terminal To Support Exports
Apart from passenger services, the airport also includes a dedicated cargo terminal with a capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes. This facility is expected to support exports from the region’s aqua, pharmaceutical, mango, and agricultural sectors.
The cargo facility could help farmers, seafood exporters, and pharma businesses move goods faster to domestic and international markets. This is expected to create fresh opportunities for trade, logistics, and employment in the region.
Visakhapatnam-Bhogapuram Connectivity Plans
The government is also planning better road connectivity to the airport. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said seven traffic-free approach roads are being planned for smoother access.
One of the key proposals includes a six-lane coastal corridor connecting RK Beach in Visakhapatnam with Bhogapuram. A proposal for a double-decker Metro link from Visakhapatnam to the airport is also under consideration by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
Why Bhogapuram Airport Matters
The Bhogapuram airport inauguration is expected to mark a major infrastructure moment for Andhra Pradesh. With passenger, cargo, and connectivity plans moving together, the airport could become a strong growth engine for North Andhra.
For travellers, it promises better domestic and international connectivity. For businesses, it opens new logistics and export opportunities. For the region, it brings a long-awaited aviation gateway closer to reality.
