Mumbai, July 20 -- While reinforcing Visakhapatnam's position as the 'Gateway of the East', the launch of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport will mark a defining milestone in Andhra Pradesh's aviation journey.
The countdown has begun for the inauguration of Vizag Airport, officially named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to dedicate Andhra Pradesh's newest international airport to the nation on August 1. The inauguration marks the culmination of one of India's most significant aviation infrastructure projects, boosting connectivity, economic growth, and development across North Coastal Andhra and adjoining regions.
Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Ltd, the greenfield airport has been designed to meet the region's growing aviation needs with an initial capacity of 6 million passengers per annum (MPPA), scalable to over 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 handling both domestic and international operations.
Strategically located at Bhogapuram near Vizag, the airport will serve as the primary aviation gateway for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and neighbouring districts of southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh, significantly improving access to major domestic and international destinations. It is also expected to strengthen the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) by supporting tourism, trade, logistics, manufacturing, and investment across North Coastal Andhra.
Demonstrating readiness for commercial operations, the airport has secured all major statutory and regulatory clearances, including the Aerodrome Licence from the regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), security vetting 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, along with other mandatory operational approvals.
These approvals pave the way for the commencement of scheduled commercial operations immediately after inauguration.
Boosting Airport Access
Ahead of the inauguration, the Central and State Governments have accelerated road connectivity projects linking the airport with Visakhapatnam and the 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 catalyse 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 IT, pharmaceuticals, electronics, seafood exports, and advanced manufacturing.
The airport has also been developed with sustainability at its core, incorporating renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and environmentally responsible infrastructure 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 a smooth inauguration and operational launch.
By creating new opportunities for passengers, businesses, and investors while reinforcing Visakhapatnam's position as the 'Gateway of the East', the launch of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a defining milestone in Andhra Pradesh's aviation journey.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Infrastructure Today.