Visakhapatnam/Vizianagaram: Andhra Pradesh’s ambitious Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport crossed a major milestone on Sunday with the successful landing of its first commercial validation flight, signalling that the long-awaited aviation project is moving steadily towards operational readiness. The trial landing marks a crucial step in the airport’s journey towards becoming fully functional by June 2026, according to officials.

The validation flight, operated by Air India using an Airbus A320 aircraft, arrived from New Delhi at around 11 am at the Bhogapuram airport, located in Vizianagaram district, approximately 50 kilometres from Visakhapatnam. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water cannon salute upon landing, symbolising the successful completion of the first trial run on the airport’s 3.8-kilometre-long runway.

The test flight was conducted as part of mandatory validation exercises to assess the airport’s readiness for commercial operations. These trials are carried out in accordance with guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s aviation regulator. The objective is to verify the performance of critical airside infrastructure, including the runway, taxiways, navigational aids, communication systems, and overall operational preparedness.

Officials said the successful touchdown confirmed that the runway systems and associated aviation infrastructure meet regulatory standards, paving the way for further inspections and certifications required before the launch of scheduled passenger services.

The greenfield airport, formally named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (ASRIA) after legendary freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju, is now in the final stages of development. While the core airside infrastructure is largely complete, some civil works and interior finishing inside the terminal building are still underway. Authorities said these remaining works are progressing at a steady pace and are expected to be completed within the next few months.

The validation flight carried Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu, Vizianagaram Member of Parliament Kalisetti Appala Naidu, and senior officials, news agency PTI reported. The dignitaries were welcomed on the runway by Vizianagaram District Collector S Ramsundar Reddy, Joint Collector Sedhu Madhavan, along with officials and executives from the GMR Group, the concessionaire developing the airport.

Addressing the gathering after the aircraft’s arrival, Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu described the event as a historic moment in Andhra Pradesh’s development journey. He said the Bhogapuram airport would play a transformative role in shaping the economic future of the state, particularly the northern coastal region.

“Visakhapatnam is set to emerge as the economic capital of eastern India. The Bhogapuram Airport will act as a powerful engine of growth by creating employment opportunities, boosting regional industries, and significantly improving connectivity for people and businesses,” the minister said. He added that the airport would strengthen trade links, enhance export capabilities, and unlock Andhra Pradesh’s vast tourism potential by improving access to the state for domestic and international travellers.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu also hailed the successful validation flight, congratulating the people of North Andhra Pradesh on what he called a major milestone for aviation in the state. In a post on social media platform X, Naidu said the development would strengthen regional connectivity and provide a major boost to Uttarandhra.

“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 Narendra Modi for his vision, leadership, and commitment to the progress of Andhra Pradesh,” the chief minister said. He added that the airport project was planned and initiated during the NDA government’s tenure between 2014 and 2019, and that commercial flight operations are expected to begin from June.

Once operational, the Bhogapuram airport is expected to significantly ease pressure on the existing Visakhapatnam airport and cater to rising passenger and cargo demand in the region. The project is being developed as a modern aviation hub with the capacity to handle large volumes of air traffic.

Spread across around 2,200 acres, Bhogapuram International Airport has been designed to operate up to 200 aircraft movements per day. During nighttime hours, it will be able to park around 18 aircraft. Built at an estimated cost of ₹4,725 crore, the airport is planned to handle up to 18 million passengers annually in the long term. In its initial phase, however, it is expected to cater to around 6 million passengers per year.

One of the standout features of the airport is its long 3.8-kilometre runway, which has been designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft, including large planes such as the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 747-8. This capability positions Bhogapuram as a potential hub for long-haul international flights in the future.

In addition to passenger facilities, the airport will feature a dedicated state-of-the-art cargo terminal aimed at supporting efficient cargo operations. Authorities believe this will provide a major boost to exports from Andhra Pradesh, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, seafood, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

The Bhogapuram airport is also planned as an integrated aerotropolis, with an aviation-centric economic zone that will include logistics hubs, commercial spaces, and allied infrastructure. This integrated development model is expected to attract investment, generate employment, and create a new growth corridor in the region.

Officials said that with the successful validation flight completed, the focus will now shift to completing remaining works, conducting further trials if required, and securing final regulatory clearances. If timelines are met, Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to open for commercial operations by June, marking a new chapter in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation and economic landscape.