PM Modi Inaugurates Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram | Aviation News
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, marking an important milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation and infrastructure development. The new greenfield airport is expected to become a major gateway for North Andhra and improve air connectivity in the region.
Developed by the GMR Group at a cost of nearly ₹5,000 crore, the airport is designed to support the growing travel and economic needs of North Coastal Andhra. The project is expected to provide better connectivity while also supporting tourism, trade, investment, and other economic activities in the region.
The Andhra Pradesh government has described the airport as more than just a transport facility. It considers the project a transformational asset that can help accelerate economic growth across North Coastal Andhra. With improved air connectivity, the region is expected to become more accessible to tourists, businesses, investors, and travellers.
Commercial flight operations are scheduled to begin from August 17, 2026.
The start of regular services will be an important next step after the inauguration and will allow passengers to use the new airport for domestic and international travel.
During the inauguration ceremony, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu briefed Prime Minister Modi about the airport’s important features, infrastructure, and future expansion plans.
The discussions focused on the airport’s potential and its role in improving connectivity for the region.
The new airport is also expected to reduce pressure on the existing Visakhapatnam Airport. As passenger traffic increases, Bhogapuram will provide additional capacity and modern infrastructure to meet the growing demand for air travel.
The airport’s location is particularly important for the development of North Andhra. Better air connectivity can make it easier for people to travel for business, education, tourism, and other purposes. It can also improve access to the region for companies and investors looking for new business opportunities.
The project is expected to create employment opportunities in several sectors. Tourism, logistics, manufacturing, and services are among the areas that could benefit from the airport’s operations. The improved connectivity may also encourage new businesses and investments in the surrounding areas.
The inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport therefore marks a significant development for Andhra Pradesh. With commercial operations set to begin on August 17, the airport is expected to play an important role in strengthening domestic and international connectivity.
In the coming years, the Bhogapuram airport could become a key infrastructure asset for North Andhra. Its development is expected to support tourism, trade, investment, employment, and regional economic growth while providing passengers with improved air travel facilities.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
