Bhogapuram airport to begin commercial operations on August 17

The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram is scheduled to begin commercial operations on August 17. Under the IATA code VTZ, domestic and international passenger services will transition from Visakhapatnam to the new facility.

Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under a Public-Private Partnership model, the integrated terminal features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway and an initial annual capacity of 6 million passengers, with scalability up to 40 million. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has assumed responsibility for aviation security at the site.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the airport's completion reflects the government's commitment to fast-tracking infrastructure in North Andhra. He noted that the project is expected to drive economic growth, tourism, and employment. Other regional projects, such as the Mulapeta Port and the Neradi Barrage Project, are also cited as key components of the area's ongoing development.