Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram to Open on August 1, 2026

Visakhapatnam is about to get a brand‑new set of runways, terminals and a whole lot of buzz. After years of planning, the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram is slated to be officially dedicated on August 1, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi presiding over the ceremony.

Spanning roughly 2,200 acres, the airport is a massive project undertaken by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL). When it opens its doors, it should be able to handle around six million passengers a year – a figure that looks modest now but is set to rise as the region’s economy accelerates.

What’s striking is the runway. At 3,800 metres long and built to Code 4E standards, it will comfortably accommodate large, wide‑body aircraft, opening up direct international routes that were previously out of reach for the city.

All the necessary clearances are already in place. The DGCA has issued an Aerodrome Licence, BCAS security clearance has been secured, and the airport has the green light from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board to operate. Even the Customs and Immigration check posts are ready, meaning cargo and passenger processing can start right away.

Officials have been working round‑the‑clock to fast‑track the surrounding infrastructure. Seven approach roads are being upgraded, a dedicated cargo complex is under construction, and sustainability features such as renewable‑energy installations and rain‑water harvesting systems are being woven into the design.

“This airport will be a catalyst for growth not just for Visakhapatnam but for the whole hinterland – Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and even parts of Odisha and Chhattisgarh,” said a senior GVIAL spokesperson. The sentiment was echoed by local leaders like Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy and SP A.R. Damodar, who were photographed alongside ministers Vangalaoudi Anitha and Kondapalli Srinivas as final preparations were wrapped up.

Beyond the numbers, there’s a palpable sense of optimism. Residents who have long endured traffic snarls on the old highway to the existing airport now look forward to a modern facility that promises smoother journeys and new job opportunities. For many, the airport feels like a bridge to a more connected future.

So, mark your calendars: August 1, 2026 will see the ribbon cut, the inaugural flight take off, and a new chapter begin for the Visakhapatnam Economic Region. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a local business owner, or just someone watching the city’s skyline evolve, this is a milestone worth noting.