"Bhogapuram airport achieves maiden landing in successful commercial trial run."

Six years after it secured the contract to develop the Bhogapuram airport near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, the first commercial aircraft has landed at the facility, marking a significant milestone in the State’s aviation sector.

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu arrived at the airport on an Air India flight from Delhi as part of the maiden trial run. The airport, being developed by the GMR Group, is expected to commence full-scale operations in June 2026.

In its initial phase, the airport is designed to handle six million passengers annually, with provisions for future expansion in line with traffic growth. The project will also feature an Aerotropolis, an aviation hub and a dedicated, state-of-the-art cargo terminal to support efficient cargo operations. GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Ltd (GAL), is developing the airport at an estimated investment of around ₹5,000 crore. The State government has acquired about 2,200 acres of land for the project.

According to GMR officials, the successful trial flight validates the airport’s airside infrastructure, navigational aids, runway systems and overall operational readiness in compliance with Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms. “It is a crucial step in the process of obtaining an aerodrome licence and a mandatory requirement before the start of commercial operations,” a GMR spokesperson said.

Addressing a gathering after his arrival, Mr. Naidu said the Bhogapuram Airport would act as a major engine of growth by generating employment, boosting regional industries and significantly improving connectivity for people and businesses.