Bhogapuram Airport News: Nearly 7,000 Passengers, 31 Flights on First Day
Bhogapuram Airport News
Visakhapatnam, August 18: The newly opened Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram has started its commercial operations with a strong response from passengers. On the first day itself, around 6,000 to 7,000 passengers travelled through the airport on 31 flight services, marking an important beginning for the new airport in North Andhra.
The airport, developed by GMR in Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, officially began commercial operations with the arrival of the first IndiGo flight from Hyderabad at around 6:45 am. The aircraft received a traditional water salute from airport officials. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu was present at the airport and personally welcomed passengers by handing over boarding passes.
Artists dressed as Alluri Sitarama Raju also welcomed passengers, adding a cultural touch to the opening ceremony. The airport has been designed to reflect Telugu culture, history and traditional architectural elements.
The first-day passenger movement included both domestic and international services. Airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express are operating flights connecting Bhogapuram with cities including Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Tirupati and Kolkata. International connectivity has also begun, with services involving destinations such as Abu Dhabi and Singapore.
The new airport is expected to become the major aviation gateway for North Andhra, replacing the old Visakhapatnam airport for regular passenger operations. The development is also expected to support tourism, industries, investment and employment opportunities in the region.
APSRTC Launches Aero Express Electric Buses
To make airport travel easier, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) has introduced 20 Aero Express electric AC buses. These buses connect Bhogapuram Airport with Visakhapatnam city and important locations.
The services are planned at regular intervals, with buses operating on two major routes called ASR-1 and ASR-2. The fare from Old Gajuwaka to Bhogapuram Airport has been fixed at around Rs 400, offering passengers an affordable AC travel option.
The ASR-1 route connects Old Gajuwaka with important locations such as NAD Junction, Gurudwar, Maddilapalem, Anandapuram and Tagarapuvalasa before reaching the airport.
The ASR-2 route covers Sindhiya, Visakhapatnam Railway Station, Dwaraka Bus Station, VUDA Park, GITAM University, Rushikonda IT Hills, Marikavalasa, Anandapuram and Tagarapuvalasa. This route is expected to be useful for passengers travelling from the Beach Road, IT corridor and railway station areas.
24-Hour Cab and Parking Facilities
GMR has also arranged cab facilities close to the terminal. Cab parking is located around 100 metres from the terminal, making it convenient for passengers arriving or departing at different times of the day. The facility is available round the clock.
With strong passenger movement on its opening day, new flight connections, electric bus services and convenient cab facilities, Bhogapuram Airport is expected to play an important role in improving air connectivity and supporting the overall development of North Andhra.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
