Bhogapuram Airport Gets Immigration Check Post Status for Global Operations

Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh has achieved another significant milestone after the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officially designated it as an Immigration Check Post (ICP) , paving the way for future international flight operations. The notification enables the airport to establish immigration facilities for overseas passengers, bringing the state's flagship greenfield airport closer to becoming a major international aviation gateway on India's east coast.

The Centre issued the notification by amending its September 1, 2025 list of authorised Immigration Check Posts under the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 . Exercising powers under Section 4(1) of the Act, the ministry included Bhogapuram Airport as the 39th airport in the country's Category-I (Airports) list. The recognition is a mandatory legal requirement for airports handling scheduled international passenger services.

With the new status, the airport will be equipped to conduct passport verification, visa screening, immigration clearance and other border control procedures for passengers travelling to and from foreign destinations. Aviation experts note that an airport cannot commence regular international operations without an authorised Immigration Check Post, making this approval one of the final regulatory clearances before overseas services can begin.

Located near Visakhapatnam in Vizianagaram district , the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Greenfield Airport is being developed by GMR Airports as a world-class aviation hub for North Andhra Pradesh . The project is expected to complement the existing Visakhapatnam Airport , which faces operational constraints as it functions from a naval airbase, while significantly improving passenger and cargo connectivity across the region.

The airport has been designed with a long-term capacity of 40 million passengers annually , making it one of the largest aviation infrastructure projects in the state. Its 78,000-square-metre terminal , inspired by the shape of a flying fish , blends modern architecture with design elements reflecting the culture and heritage of North Andhra . The project also includes advanced cargo handling facilities, commercial zones and future expansion plans to support growing air traffic and regional economic development.

The latest approval follows another key achievement last week when the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted an aerodrome licence to the airport, certifying that it meets the safety and operational standards required for commercial flight services. On July 10 , Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu formally handed over the licence to representatives of GMR Airports in New Delhi.

With both the aerodrome licence and Immigration Check Post status now in place, Bhogapuram International Airport has crossed two of its most critical regulatory milestones. The project is expected to strengthen Andhra Pradesh's international air connectivity, boost tourism and trade, attract fresh investments, and emerge as a key aviation and logistics hub for the eastern coast once commercial operations commence.