Vizianagaram, August 17, 2026 | INFRAINTEL Bureau
Commercial flight operations commenced at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram on Monday, marking an important development in the aviation and economic infrastructure of North Andhra Pradesh.
The first commercial service, operated by IndiGo, arrived from Hyderabad. It was followed by an Air India Express flight from Bengaluru.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu formally flagged off commercial services and handed over boarding passes to passengers. He described the commencement of operations as a moment of pride and the beginning of a new phase of development for North Andhra.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the airport on August 1.
According to the Union minister, passengers arriving on the inaugural flights appreciated the airport’s infrastructure, architectural design and passenger facilities. He said the airport had been developed not merely as a transport facility but also as a representation of the region’s history, heritage and culture.
Naidu acknowledged the contribution of farmers who provided land for the project and thanked GMR authorities for developing the airport. He said their cooperation had helped establish strategically important infrastructure capable of supporting the future growth of North Andhra.
The airport is expected to improve regional connectivity and create new opportunities in investment, tourism, employment, trade and other economic activities. The government expects it to play a significant role in changing the economic profile of North Andhra, which has historically faced developmental challenges.
Addressing concerns over the closure of scheduled commercial services at Visakhapatnam Airport, Naidu said he understood the sentiments of residents who had used the airport for several years. Scheduled commercial operations at Visakhapatnam Airport ended on August 16 after the departure of IndiGo flight 6E 2018 for Delhi at 10.45 pm.
The existing infrastructure at Visakhapatnam Airport will now be used for general aviation and private aircraft operations.
Road connectivity to Bhogapuram airport is being strengthened through several infrastructure projects. Existing roads are being widened, while seven major road projects have been taken up, including the Sontyam road providing connectivity from the Simhachalam side.
The proposed Beach Corridor has also received approval, and construction work is expected to begin shortly. Once completed, it will provide an additional coastal route between Visakhapatnam and Bhogapuram airport.
The minister acknowledged that passengers could face some inconvenience during the airport’s initial operational phase. However, he expressed confidence that its modern infrastructure and facilities would eventually earn public appreciation.
The start of commercial operations at Bhogapuram is expected to shift the region’s aviation activity towards a larger and more modern facility while supporting long-term industrial, tourism and infrastructure development across North Andhra.