PM To Inaugurate ASR International Airport At Bhogapuram On June 26
The first international airport validation flight lands successfully, meeting the various parameters: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) International Airport at Bhogapuram crossed a major milestone on Sunday when the first validation flight successfully landed at the world-class facility.
This paves way for commencement of commercial operations after a formal inauguration of the ASR International Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi scheduled for June 26, 2026.
The inaugural commercial flight, carrying Civil aviation minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and senior officials, touched down at the airport on Sunday amid the ceremonial water cannon salute as it taxied. Those present included representatives belonging to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Government of Andhra Pradesh, and the GMR Group.
Addressing a press conference after the validation flight ceremony, Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the speed of project’s execution stating, "What we have achieved here is unprecedented. From approximately 23 per cent progress, the project has now reached 96 per cent completion in a record time after the NDA alliance government has taken over reins in AP.”
The union minister revealed that the vision for ASR-Bhogapuram airport extends far beyond passenger connectivity. "This airport is being developed as a long-term aviation ecosystem. The State Government has earmarked 500 acres adjacent to the airport for aviation-linked services, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities.
Ram Mohan Naidu said under the guidance of state's IT and Industries minister Nara Lokesh, they are building, in parallel, an aviation and aerospace education ecosystem. He underlined that India's aviation sector is on a sustained growth trajectory. In 2025 alone over 100 additional aircraft have been inducted. Similar growth numbers are expected annually for the next 10–15 years.
On international connectivity, the union minister explained that Visakhapatnam already features under India's open-skies framework. "With advanced standards being implemented at ASR-Bhogapuram airport, we expect strong interest from international airlines, particularly for routes to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond."
Currently, Vizag Airport is handling around 33 daily operations, all of which will eventually shift to Bhogapuram.
On questions being raised over developing multiple airports in metro cities, Ram Mohan Naidu clarified that this is the global trend and best practice. "As urban populations and passenger travel demands grow, secondary airports become essential to decongest primary hubs.
Regarding bilateral air service agreements, the union minister outlined a twofold strategy of strengthening Indian carriers, while positioning India as a global transit hub, similar to Dubai and Singapore.
"As India inducts more wide-body aircraft, long-haul connectivity will expand. Bilateral arrangements will evolve accordingly, especially with regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Global South, where India's diplomatic and economic heft is growing rapidly." Ram Mohan Naidu explained.
On the proposed airport at the AP capital Amaravati, he said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has articulated a clear vision of building a world-class, future-ready capital city. "As part of this vision, a dedicated airport is being actively considered. Site identification and feasibility studies are underway. Once these are finalised, statutory clearances will follow,” the union minister emphasised.
