Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport Commences Commercial Operations
Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, developed and operated by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), today commenced commercial operations, ushering in a new era of connectivity, economic opportunity, and regional growth for North Andhra Pradesh. This marks a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation journey, strengthening the state’s position as the “Gateway of the East” for domestic and international travel.
The commencement of operations was marked by a series of historic firsts, with domestic and international flights connecting Visakhapatnam to key destinations across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. These inaugural services signified the airport’s readiness to serve as a strategic aviation gateway, linking North Andhra Pradesh with the world.
The Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu along with senior dignitaries, and stakeholders from the airport community, was present to mark this historic milestone. As part of the celebrations, he ceremonially handed over boarding passes to passengers on the inaugural IndiGo and Air India Express flights and presented commemorative mementoes, marking the commencement of airport operations.
Milestone Flights on Day One
First Flight of the day
- Indigo Flight 6E 6408: Hyderabad (HYD) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
- Indigo Flight 6E 9051: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Hyderabad (HYD) – Departure
First Indian Carrier International Flight
- IndiGo Flight 6E 1443: Abu Dhabi (AUH) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
- IndiGo Flight 6E 1444: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Departure
First International Carrier Flight
- Scoot Flight TR 784: Singapore (SIN) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
- Scoot Flight TR 785: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Singapore (SIN) – Departure
All the first arrivals of the airlines for the day: Air India Express, Air India, Indigo, Scoot, India One received a ceremonial water cannon salute, celebrating the start of a new chapter in regional aviation. With a planned 52 air traffic movements (ATMs) on Day One, the airport buzzed with activity, marking a vibrant start to its operational journey.
Mr. Kanwarbir Singh Kalra, Chief Executive Officer, GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), said, “The commencement of commercial operations at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a transformational moment for North Andhra Pradesh and the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s connectivity journey. This achievement reflects years of meticulous planning, engineering excellence, regulatory compliance, and operational preparedness by our teams and partners.
We are delighted to welcome our first passengers and airline partners as the airport begins serving the region with a safe, seamless, and world-class travel experience. We will endeavour to expand connectivity from this airport. This airport will serve as a powerful catalyst for trade, tourism, investment, and employment, while strengthening regional and global connectivity and supporting the long-term economic growth of North Andhra Pradesh.” he further added.
The airport was inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on August 1, 2026.
Designed with an initial capacity of 6 million passengers annually, the airport has been master planned for phased expansion to handle over 40 million passengers per annum. Its 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, capable of handling wide-body aircraft, positions the airport to support future domestic and international expansion while strengthening air cargo capabilities and reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a major aviation and logistics hub on India’s eastern seaboard
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