Bhogapuram Airport Begins Commercial Flight Services, Strengthening Regional Connectivity

A new era in North Andhra’s air connectivity began on Monday with the launch of commercial flight operations at the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram. The first IndiGo flight from Hyderabad touched down at the airport, formally ushering in scheduled commercial aviation at the much-anticipated facility.

Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu launched the services and handed boarding passes to passengers, describing the development as a proud milestone for North Andhra. He said the airport would strengthen regional connectivity while opening new opportunities in tourism, investment, employment and economic activity. An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru also arrived at the airport later in the day.

Naidu said the airport’s modern infrastructure, architectural design and passenger facilities had drawn appreciation from travellers. He said the facility was designed not merely as an airport but as a representation of North Andhra’s history, heritage and culture. The Minister thanked farmers who provided land for the project and GMR, which played a key role in developing the airport.

According to Naidu, Bhogapuram Airport could provide a significant boost to a region that has historically lagged in development. Better air connectivity, he said, would help attract investments, promote tourism and generate employment while expanding economic activity across North Andhra.

Improving surface connectivity to the airport remains a key priority. Naidu said several roads linking Visakhapatnam and Bhogapuram were being widened, while seven major road projects, including the Sontyam road, were being taken up. Approval has also been granted for a Beach Corridor along the coastline, providing another route from Visakhapatnam to the airport. Work is expected to begin soon.

The Minister acknowledged that passengers could face some initial inconvenience as operations shift to the new facility, but expressed confidence that they would appreciate its infrastructure and services after using the airport.

The commercial launch follows the inauguration of Bhogapuram Airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1. Its opening also marks the transition of scheduled commercial aviation away from Visakhapatnam Airport.

Scheduled passenger services at Visakhapatnam Airport ended on August 16, with IndiGo flight 6E 2018 departing for Delhi at 10.45 pm as the final scheduled service. The existing facility will continue to handle private and other non-scheduled aviation operations.

For North Andhra, Bhogapuram Airport represents more than a relocation of flight services. With stronger connectivity and modern infrastructure, it is expected to become a major gateway for tourism, investment, trade and employment, strengthening the region’s economic links with the rest of India and beyond.