Bhogapuram Airport Test Flight Success Paves Way for June 2026 Launch

The Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh has successfully conducted a validation flight, a critical step before its commercial launch scheduled for June 2026. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu hailed the milestone, thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasizing the boost to Uttarandhra's connectivity and development. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the airport's role in unlocking regional growth and its potential as a future aviation skilling and maintenance hub. Former CM YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also acknowledged the progress, crediting the foundational work and approvals completed during his administration.

Key Points: Bhogapuram Airport Test Flight Successful, Operations from June 2026

  • Successful validation flight completed
  • Commercial ops start June 2026
  • Project seen as key to regional development
  • Includes plans for aviation skilling hub
  • Foundation laid during previous government tenure
3 min read

Test flight lands at Bhogapuram airport in Andhra Pradesh, commercial operations expected from June

Andhra Pradesh's Bhogapuram International Airport completes a key validation flight, with commercial operations set to begin in June 2026, boosting regional connectivity.

Test flight lands at Bhogapuram airport in Andhra Pradesh, commercial operations expected from June
"Today marks a new milestone for aviation in the state - Chandrababu Naidu"

Bhogapuram, January 4

The greenfield Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh witnessed a successful validation flight on Sunday, marking a significant milestone ahead of its planned commercial operations from June 2026.

In a post on X, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh, especially Uttarandhra, on the successful validation flight of the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport.

"Today marks a new milestone for aviation in the state, strengthening regional connectivity and giving a major boost to Uttarandhra as the region prepares to take off. I thank Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his vision, leadership, and commitment to the progress of Andhra Pradesh," he posted on X.

The airport, planned and initiated between 2014 and 2019, will be ready to serve the people with commercial flight operations from June, the chief minister announced in a post on X.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu told ANI that the Bhogapuram Airport is a prestigious project with the potential to unlock significant regional development.

"Considering this area needs a lot of development to be unlocked, we are seeing this as the key to that unlocking of the development, and this has been envisioned by our Chief Minister, Chandrababu Naidu. It has been a dream project for the people here also and I'm very happy to see that the validation flight has happened today successfully and very soon we are going to start operations also here and the airport is not only to cater for connectivity but we are also looking into skilling the EDU City is one of the first kind of initiative across the world where you can have multiple universities institutions working in the same place training youngsters training passionate people in aviation to go up to global standards..."

The aircraft is going to increase in the country in the times to come, and that will necessitate more need maintenance facilities.

"As a ministry, we want to encourage more MRO in the country itself. Bhogapuram is an ideal location logistically, strategically, geographically, every way you see it...," he said.

Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, posted on X that the state accelerates on its growth runway, marking a significant milestone for Vision Vizag.

"Congratulations to the GMR Group for their exceptional efforts. During our tenure, expedited permissions, timely approvals and land acquisition including R&R with an outlay of close to Rs 960 crore, helped lay a strong foundation for steady progress. Significant portion of the project work was completed, which has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. I also fondly recall the efforts and contribution of Shri @nitin_gadkari Ji in approving the Bhogapuram Airport Bypass National Highway project in March 2023, connecting Visakhapatnam Port with Bhogapuram International Airport," Reddy posted on X.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While this is a positive step, I hope the focus remains on sustainable development and doesn't displace local communities further. The article mentions R&R (rehabilitation and resettlement) costs, but were the affected people truly compensated fairly? A project's success should be measured by its benefit to all, not just economic numbers.
R
Rohit P
Great to see both current and former CMs acknowledging each other's contributions. Infrastructure development should be beyond politics. Bhogapuram can be a game-changer for Vizag's economy and the entire coastal corridor. ✈️
A
Aman W
The mention of an 'EDU City' and skilling for aviation MROs is the most exciting part. We need more technical training hubs in India. If executed well, this can create a skilled workforce for the entire country, not just AP.
J
Jessica F
As someone who travels frequently to Visakhapatnam for work, this is a welcome development. The existing airport is often overcrowded. A new international airport will ease congestion and hopefully lead to more direct flight options. Looking forward to June 2026!
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Karthik V
Hope the connectivity from the city to the airport is also planned well. The bypass highway is crucial. Otherwise, a world-class airport is useless if it takes 3 hours to reach from Vizag. Fingers crossed for seamless last-mile connectivity.

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