On completion, Bhogapuram Airport will strengthen connectivity, fuel economic growth, and generate jobs, shaping Andhra Pradesh’s regional development.
Marking a major milestone towards operational readiness, the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport in Visakhapatnam successfully conducted its validation flight on Sunday.
Andhra Pradesh’s new greenfield international airport is being developed by GMR Aero‑led GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Ltd (GVIAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of GMR Airports Ltd (GAL).
The validation flight, operated by an Air India aircraft, was witnessed by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Government of Andhra Pradesh, and GMR Group leadership.
The successful flight validated the airport’s airside infrastructure, navigational aids, runway systems, and overall operational readiness, in line with regulatory requirements of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). It represents a crucial step towards securing the aerodrome license and is a prerequisite for commencing commercial operations.
Speaking on the occasion, Naidu said, “Visakhapatnam is set to become the economic capital of the East. The Bhogapuram Airport will serve as a powerful engine of growth, creating employment opportunities, catalysing regional industries, and significantly enhancing connectivity for people and businesses alike. The airport will strengthen trade, boost exports, and unlock the immense tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh.”
GBS Raju, Business Chairman, Airports, GMR Group, added, “Our deep expertise across the airport value chain—spanning development, operations, modernisation and global partnerships—positions us uniquely to deliver future‑ready aviation hubs. Bhogapuram Airport is being developed not merely as an airport, but as a powerful growth engine for Andhra Pradesh, with the potential to spur employment, tourism, trade and allied industries.”
I Prabhakar Rao, Deputy Managing Director, GMR Group, noted that the project has achieved over 90 per cent completion and is progressing well ahead of schedule. “GMR brings a proven track record of delivering critical national infrastructure projects before time, and the Bhogapuram Airport is being developed in line with the highest global standards,” he said.
Once operational, Bhogapuram Airport is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity for the southern state, stimulate economic growth, promote tourism, and generate employment opportunities, contributing to the overall development of the region.