Andhra Pradesh: First test flight lands successfully at Bhogapuram Airport Visakhapatnam

January 4, 2026

Visakhapatnam: In a major achievement for Andhra Pradesh’s aviation sector, the first commercial validation (test) flight successfully landed at Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport in Visakhapatnam district on Sunday. An Air India flight from New Delhi landed successfully at Bhogapuram Airport, about 50 kilometers from Visakhapatnam.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, Visakhapatnam MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu, and senior officials were on board the test flight. The flight landed on a 3.8-kilometer-long runway, the longest in the country and built with modern technology.

Opening expected in June, 96% work completed

Bhogapuram Airport is being constructed by the GMR Group under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a subsidiary of the GMR Group, is developing the project on 2,200 acres of land at a cost of approximately ₹4,592 crore.

According to GVIAL, approximately 96 percent of the airport’s construction work has been completed. On this occasion, Ram Mohan Naidu said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the airport in the next four to five months.

Development of North Coastal Andhra will get a boost

The Civil Aviation Minister said that Bhogapuram Airport will transform the face of North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and help develop the region into a major economic hub. This airport will play a key role in the proposed Visakhapatnam Economic Zone.

He stated that efforts are underway to improve road connectivity from Visakhapatnam to the airport. Connectivity will be provided from seven different points, and the road project is expected to be completed by April. Furthermore, the feasibility of an elevated expressway is also being considered.

Last month, the Minister inaugurated the Aviation, Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Edu City, being developed on 136 acres near Bhogapuram Airport. It is touted as the country’s first integrated AAD Edu City, aimed at addressing the shortage of professionals in the aviation sector and establishing India as a global aviation talent hub.