A significant milestone was achieved for air connectivity in North Coastal Andhra Pradesh as a test aircraft successfully touched down at the newly constructed Bhogapuram International Airport on Monday. This crucial step signals the nearing completion of the greenfield airport project, with commercial flight operations now expected to commence in June 2025.
Landmark Touchdown at the New Aviation Hub
The test flight, operated by a Beechcraft King Air C90 aircraft, landed smoothly on the newly laid runway at approximately 11:45 AM. This event marks the first time an aircraft has used the airport's critical infrastructure, testing the runway, air traffic control systems, and ground handling procedures. The airport is being developed by GMR Airports Limited, which secured the project in a public-private partnership with the Andhra Pradesh government.
Located near the coastal city of Visakhapatnam in the Vizianagaram district, the Bhogapuram airport is poised to become a major aviation hub for the region. It is strategically positioned to serve the twin cities of Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram, decongesting air traffic and boosting economic activity in North Coastal Andhra.
Project Scope and Phased Development
The Bhogapuram International Airport project is a massive infrastructure undertaking developed in multiple phases. The initial phase, which is now nearing completion, focuses on establishing core operational capabilities.
The key features of the first phase include:
- A single runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft like the Airbus A380.
- A modern terminal building with an initial capacity to serve six million passengers per annum.
- Comprehensive airside and landside infrastructure, including taxiways, an apron, and an air traffic control tower.
Officials from GMR Airports confirmed that the successful test landing validates the technical readiness of the airfield. The focus will now shift to completing the terminal building, installing operational systems, and securing the final regulatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Economic and Regional Implications
The operationalization of Bhogapuram International Airport is anticipated to have a transformative impact on the region's economy and connectivity. It is expected to catalyze growth in several key areas.
Firstly, it will provide a major boost to tourism, offering improved access to Visakhapatnam's beaches, the Araku Valley, and other cultural sites in North Andhra. Secondly, the airport is set to stimulate industrial and logistics growth, attracting investments to the surrounding areas and supporting existing industries. Furthermore, it will create substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities for the local population.
The airport will also serve as a crucial alternative and reliever for Visakhapatnam's existing airport, enhancing overall aviation capacity in the state. With commercial operations targeted for June 2025, the countdown has officially begun for Andhra Pradesh to welcome its newest gateway to the world.
