Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport Inaugurated in Andhra Pradesh: Everything You Need to Know About the New Greenfield Aviation Hub

Bhogapuram (Andhra Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh, marking a major milestone in the state’s aviation infrastructure. The new greenfield airport, developed at an investment of around ₹5,640 crore, is expected to transform connectivity across North Coastal Andhra while serving as a catalyst for industrial growth, tourism and exports. Commercial flight operations are scheduled to commence from August 17, 2026, when services will gradually shift from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport.

India’s Newest International Airport

Located at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, approximately 45 km northeast of Visakhapatnam, the airport has been developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

The airport has been named after legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, who led the historic Rampa Rebellion against British rule.

World-Class Infrastructure

The airport has been designed as a next-generation aviation hub with modern passenger facilities and future expansion in mind.

Some of its key features include:

• 3.8-kilometre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 747-8.
• Modern integrated passenger terminal inspired by the “Flying Fish”, reflecting the maritime heritage of North Andhra and the Bay of Bengal.
• Initial passenger handling capacity of 6 million passengers annually.
• Capacity to expand up to 40 million passengers per year in future phases.
• Dedicated cargo terminal with an initial handling capacity of around 20,000 metric tonnes annually.
• Provision for future Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and aviation-related industries.

The airport has been built across nearly 2,700 acres and is among India’s fastest-developed greenfield airports, completed in approximately 31 months.

Commercial Flights from August 17

Following the inauguration, commercial airline operations are expected to begin on August 17, 2026. Airlines currently operating from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport will gradually shift their services to the new Bhogapuram Airport.

The new airport will become the primary gateway for passengers travelling to and from North Andhra Pradesh and parts of southern Odisha.

Boost for North Andhra Economy

The airport is expected to play a significant role in accelerating economic growth across North Coastal Andhra by improving domestic and international connectivity.

Officials believe the project will:

• Attract new investments in manufacturing and logistics.
• Support tourism in Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley and nearby coastal destinations.
• Strengthen exports of seafood, pharmaceuticals, mangoes and agricultural products through the cargo terminal.
• Create thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• Promote skill development and aviation-related industries in the region.

The Andhra Pradesh Government has also invested more than ₹1,500 crore in supporting road connectivity and external infrastructure around the airport to ensure seamless access.

Designed for Future Growth

Unlike the existing Visakhapatnam Airport, which operates as a civil enclave within a naval airbase, the new Bhogapuram airport has ample room for future expansion. The project includes plans for an integrated aviation ecosystem comprising logistics facilities, aerospace-related industries and future commercial development around the airport.

The government also envisions the airport becoming a major aviation gateway for eastern India, complementing Visakhapatnam’s emergence as an industrial, maritime and technology hub.

A Landmark Project for Andhra Pradesh

The inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks one of the biggest infrastructure developments in Andhra Pradesh in recent years. With world-class facilities, significant expansion potential and strategic connectivity, the airport is expected to transform air travel while supporting long-term economic growth across North Andhra and neighbouring regions.

As commercial operations begin later this month, the airport is set to become a key gateway connecting Andhra Pradesh with major domestic and international destinations, further strengthening the state’s aviation and logistics infrastructure.