The newly operational Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) International Airport in Bhogapuram has begun to receive positive feedback from passengers following the commencement of commercial flight operations. The airport, which officially began commercial services on August 17, 2026, has been lauded for its modern infrastructure and the overall travel experience it offers.
The ASR International Airport, developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under a public-private partnership, welcomed its first commercial flight, IndiGo 6E 6408, from Hyderabad on Monday morning. The flight was met with a ceremonial water cannon salute, symbolizing the commencement of a new era for aviation in North Andhra Pradesh. Various airlines, including Air India Express, Air India, IndiGo, Scoot, and India One, operated their initial flights on the opening day, with the airport recording a total of 52 planned air traffic movements.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, along with other dignitaries, was present to mark the occasion, ceremonially handing over boarding passes to passengers on the inaugural flights and presenting mementos. GVIAL CEO Kanwarbir Singh Kalra emphasized the airport’s commitment to providing safe, seamless, and world-class travel facilities, adding that the company is focused on expanding connectivity.
The airport’s design has been highlighted for reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of the North Andhra region, with Union Minister Rammohan Naidu praising the GMR Group for establishing world-class infrastructure. He noted that North Andhra, once considered a backward region, is now emerging as a center for development and progress. The commencement of operations at ASR Airport is expected to attract investments, boost industrial growth, and create significant employment and career opportunities for the youth in the region.
This development marks a significant milestone for Andhra Pradesh, providing the state with its first greenfield international airport since the bifurcation in 2014. The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, 2026, and its integrated terminal, spanning 77,342 square meters, is designed with an initial annual capacity of six million passengers, with provisions for expansion to handle over 40 million passengers annually. It also features a 3,800-meter Code 4E runway, capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, paving the way for enhanced domestic and international connectivity and expanded air cargo operations.
The establishment of the ASR International Airport is seen as a catalyst for transforming the region, previously facing skepticism about its aviation potential. Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan noted that the airport, named after the freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, represents the long-standing aspirations of the people of North Andhra. The government is also working on strategic plans for the future utilization of existing airport infrastructure in Visakhapatnam, acknowledging public sentiment regarding the shift of commercial flights.
The operational launch also includes the introduction of Aero Express AC bus services, which will run every 30 minutes from various locations in the Vizianagaram district to the Bhogapuram airport, aiming to provide convenient and affordable transportation for passengers.
While the focus is on the new ASR International Airport, it is worth noting that Rajahmundry Airport (RJA) has also been recognized for its passenger experience, having been ranked as a runner-up in customer satisfaction surveys by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in recent years. Rajahmundry Airport has seen a significant rise in passenger traffic, crossing five lakh passengers by the end of the current fiscal year and aiming for six lakh in the upcoming year, with plans to expand connectivity to new domestic and international destinations.
The Chenab Times News Desk