Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday, August 1, 2026, giving the state its first greenfield international airport since the 2014 bifurcation.
Built at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited under a public-private partnership, the airport is designed to handle six million passengers a year in its first phase, with plans to expand capacity to 40 million passengers in the future.
Mr. Modi is scheduled to arrive at 10.45 a.m. on a special aircraft from Delhi, which will land directly at the new airport. He will inaugurate the terminal at 10.58 a.m., inspect the facilities, and then address a public meeting from 11.30 a.m. to 12.55 p.m. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu are to receive him.
The Prime Minister will also lay foundation stones for projects worth more than ₹17,900 crore across the State, among them a semiconductor plant at Visakhapatnam, transmission works for renewable energy zones in Kurnool and Anantapur, and four national highway projects. Scheduled commercial flights at Bhogapuram begin on August 17, when civil operations cease at the Visakhapatnam airport.
Historic Visit After 43 Years
This visit marks only the second occasion in 43 years that a Prime Minister has traveled to Vizianagaram district, the first being Indira Gandhi, who spoke at a Congress election rally at Maharaja Stadium in 1983. The airport’s inauguration is being seen as a significant milestone for North Andhra Pradesh, which has long awaited improved air connectivity.
Airport Features and Infrastructure
Spread across 2,203 acres, the world-class greenfield airport features a 3,800-metre Code E runway, advanced Air Traffic Control systems, cargo facilities, solar power infrastructure, and eco-friendly zero liquid discharge technology. The airport also includes a 5 MW solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and integrated waste management systems.
The facility is designed to global standards and is expected to boost tourism, trade, exports, investment, employment, and connectivity across North Andhra, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam, while paving the way for a future aerotropolis and aviation hub.
Grand Inauguration Ceremony
As part of the inaugural programme, around 13,000 children will perform the traditional tribal folk dance, Dhimsa, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region. Nearly three lakh people are expected to attend the function, and around 737 buses have been arranged to ferry people from the district.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has described the airport as a “jewel of North Andhra” and directed officials to organize the inauguration on a grand scale showcasing the region’s culture, tourism, and development aspirations.
Additional Facilities to be Launched
Along with the airport terminal, the Prime Minister is also expected to launch the GMR Skill Development Centre, Aviation Hub-University, and GMR-MANSAS EduCity. These facilities are expected to create significant employment opportunities and develop skilled manpower for the aviation sector.
In a special gesture, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced one-time free air travel for farmers who gave their land for the airport project, acknowledging their contribution to the development initiative.
Strategic Importance
Strategically located to serve Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam, the airport is expected to become a major logistics and connectivity hub, boosting investment, employment, tourism, and the state’s economic growth. The airport will also support cargo operations and aviation-related industries, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities.
The project, which was initiated during the 2014 Telugu Desam government, has been completed in a record time of 31 months by the current coalition government. The airport has received all eight key statutory approvals required for operations, according to construction company GMR and civil aviation officials.
Economic Impact
The Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to transform the economic landscape of North Andhra Pradesh, serving as a catalyst for regional development. The airport’s proximity to Visakhapatnam, one of India’s major port cities, positions it as a potential gateway for international trade and commerce.
The development is also expected to reduce travel time for passengers from North Andhra districts, who previously had to travel to Visakhapatnam airport for domestic and international flights. With the new facility, the region will have direct connectivity to major Indian cities and international destinations.
The visit is also Mr. Modi’s first public programme since the protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, making it a significant event in the national political calendar.
