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CPI(M) Stages ‘Black Day’ Protest Against Closure of Visakhapatnam Airport

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<p>The Communist Party of India (Marxist) observed a “Black Day” in Visakhapatnam on Sunday to protest the closure of the city’s existing airport for scheduled commercial flights. The party demanded that the airport continue operating as a domestic facility even after the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram begins operations.</p> <p>The protest was held at Maddilapalem and was attended by CPI(M) leaders and party workers. Senior leader Ch. Narsinga Rao said the existing Visakhapatnam airport should not be shut down and alleged that the decision would benefit the private operator involved in the Bhogapuram project.</p> <p>Under the Civil Aviation Ministry’s notification, scheduled commercial flights from Visakhapatnam are to shift to Bhogapuram from 12:01 a.m. on August 17, 2026. The ministry has ordered that scheduled commercial services at the existing civil enclave, located at INS Dega, remain closed for 30 years after the new airport becomes operational.</p> <p>The order allows certain exceptions. Military aircraft, police and government flights, emergency operations and VIP aircraft will continue to be permitted at the existing facility. However, regular commercial passenger services will move to Bhogapuram.</p> <p>CPI(M) leaders argued that closing the current airport would create difficulties for residents and travellers in Visakhapatnam. They said passengers would have to travel a longer distance to reach Bhogapuram, resulting in higher transport costs and additional travel time.</p> <p>The party also warned that the shift could affect tourism, hotels, transport operators, airport-linked businesses and other services that depend on the existing airport. According to the CPI(M), thousands of people whose livelihoods are connected to the airport could face uncertainty once commercial operations move away from the city.</p> <p>Mr. Narsinga Rao said Bhogapuram should be developed as an international airport while Visakhapatnam airport should continue handling domestic flights. He also called for greater transparency in the development and operation of the new airport.</p> <p>Other CPI(M) leaders demanded a Joint Parliamentary Committee inquiry into the reported expenditure of ₹5,000 crore on the Bhogapuram project. They alleged discrepancies in the figures associated with the airport’s construction and financial arrangements and called for a detailed examination.</p> <p>The party also sought employment opportunities for local residents at Bhogapuram airport. It argued that people from the region should benefit from the project through direct and indirect employment.</p> <p>The Black Day protest is part of the CPI(M)’s wider campaign against the planned closure of scheduled commercial services at Visakhapatnam airport. The party has previously organised bike rallies and public demonstrations, urging elected representatives to intervene and retain domestic flight operations in the city.</p> <p>With commercial flights scheduled to shift to Bhogapuram from August 17, the issue has become a major political and public concern in Visakhapatnam. The CPI(M) has indicated that protests will continue unless the government agrees to keep the existing airport operational for domestic passengers.</p>