On August 1, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will open the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram . Big moment for Andhra Pradesh. This new airport,in Vizianagaram district,is the state's first greenfield international airport since 2014's split.
Built for over ₹5,640 crore,developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited in public-private partnership . Its initial phase can handle six million passengers a year. Aims to boost connectivity and economic growth.
Modi's visit starts at 10:45 a.m.,with the terminal opening at 10:58 a.m. He will tour the airport and speak to the public. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will welcome him.
Besides the airport, Modi will lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹17,900 crore statewide. This includes a semiconductor plant in Visakhapatnam,renewable energy projects in Kurnool and Anantapur, and four national highway projects .
Commercial flights start August 17. The old Visakhapatnam airport will cease civil operations, after Cyclone Hudhud in 2014 damaged it,prompting need for stronger infrastructure.
Alluri Sitarama Raju Airport's design can withstand severe weather. It's built to endure winds up to 275 km/h and heavy rain of 27 cm,surpassing the regional building code's 198 km/h wind speed requirement.
As opening day nears, transport options to the airport are being finalized. An electric bus ride from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram will cost around ₹300, while taxis range ₹700 to ₹1,500. Fare structure aims for accessibility .
On inauguration morning,school buses and APSRTC buses transport attendees. District administration expects over 200,000 people. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu called it a "dream come true" for Andhra Pradesh on social media. The airport symbolizes aspiration and perseverance,promising new opportunities for northern Andhra and the entire state .
Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport set to boost region's connectivity and economic prospects. Reflects Andhra Pradesh's ongoing development push .
