Mumbai, July 21 -- The countdown has begun for the inauguration of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled to dedicate Andhra Pradesh's newest international airport to the nation on August 1, 2026.
The inauguration marks the completion of one of India's most significant aviation infrastructure projects and signals a new phase of improved connectivity, economic growth and regional development for North Coastal Andhra.
Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited, the greenfield airport has been designed to meet the region's growing aviation requirements. It will have an initial capacity of 6 million passengers per annum (MPPA), scalable to more than 40 MPPA in future phases.
The airport features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, a modern integrated passenger terminal, dedicated cargo facilities and advanced airside infrastructure capable of supporting domestic and international operations.
Demonstrating its readiness for commercial operations, the airport has secured all major statutory and regulatory clearances. These include an Aerodrome Licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), security vetting approvals 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.
The airport has also received other mandatory operational approvals from the relevant regulatory authorities. These clearances pave the way for scheduled commercial operations to begin immediately after the inauguration.
Strategically located at Bhogapuram near Visakhapatnam, the airport will serve as the primary aviation gateway for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, as well as neighbouring districts of southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh. It will significantly improve access to major domestic and international destinations.
The airport is also expected to strengthen the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) by supporting tourism, trade, logistics, manufacturing and investment across North Coastal Andhra.
Ahead of the inauguration, the Central and State Governments have accelerated road connectivity projects linking the airport with Visakhapatnam and surrounding districts. Seven key approach roads, enhanced public transport services and improved highway connectivity are expected to provide seamless access for passengers travelling to and from the airport.
Beyond passenger connectivity, the airport is expected to become a catalyst for long-term economic development. Its dedicated cargo infrastructure, proximity to industrial corridors and planned aviation ecosystem will strengthen export competitiveness, improve logistics efficiency and support emerging sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, electronics, seafood exports and advanced manufacturing.
Sustainability has been incorporated into the airport's development through renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible infrastructure. These measures are designed to support efficient, resilient and future-ready operations.
With final preparations entering their last phase, government agencies, regulatory authorities, airport stakeholders and partner organisations are working in close coordination to ensure the successful inauguration and operational launch of the airport.
The opening of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a defining milestone in Andhra Pradesh's aviation journey. It will create new opportunities for passengers, businesses and investors while reinforcing Visakhapatnam's position as the "Gateway of the East" and a major engine of economic growth for eastern India.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.