Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, marking a major milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation and infrastructure development.
Developed by the GMR Group at a cost of nearly ₹5,000 crore, the greenfield airport is expected to serve as a key gateway for North Andhra and boost regional connectivity, tourism, trade and investment.
The Andhra Pradesh government has described the airport as more than just an infrastructure project, viewing it as a transformational asset capable of accelerating economic growth across the North Coastal Andhra region.
Commercial flight operations from the airport are scheduled to commence on August 17.
Delighted to inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. This is a landmark project that will strengthen connectivity and accelerate Andhra Pradesh’s growth.
This airport brings together advanced infrastructure and cutting-edge technologies to ensure… pic.twitter.com/9FkHVVh7ua
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 1, 2026
During the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu briefed the Prime Minister on the airport’s key features, infrastructure and future expansion plans.
The airport is expected to ease pressure on the existing Visakhapatnam airport while enhancing domestic and international air connectivity for the region. The project is also anticipated to generate employment opportunities and attract investments in sectors such as tourism, logistics, manufacturing and services.
What are the features?
The greenfield airport is developed over 2,203 acres, with another 500 acres earmarked for supporting infrastructure and allied facilities.
The International Airport will feature a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway. It will also have an integrated passenger terminal, cargo facilities, and modern airside infrastructure capable of handling both domestic and international flights.
It includes 40 check-in counters, 12 DigiYatra pods, Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS), and self-baggage drop options. Giving a regional touch, the airport interiors feature local art like Etikoppaka toys and Ponduru Khadi.
A total of 21 modern aerobridges have been constructed. According to the officials, they are targeting 10 to 12 flight landings per hour and aim to serve 60 lakh passengers in the first year.
The airport is built to LEED Platinum standards with a 5 MW solar plant, rainwater harvesting, and zero liquid discharge.
