A major milestone was achieved in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation journey with the successful validation flight at the upcoming Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport. The proving flight was operated using an Air India aircraft, with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu onboard, marking a crucial step towards the airport’s commercial operations.

A validation or proving flight is an essential requirement before any new airport becomes operational. It assesses whether the airport meets stringent regulatory, safety, and airside operational standards. Officials said the successful completion of this flight clears a key hurdle and paves the way for the commencement of commercial services in the near future. The aircraft was accorded a ceremonial water salute on arrival.

“On the auspicious occasion of the successful experimental landing of the first flight at the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport, special greetings to the people of North Andhra,” said Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu in a post on X.

Highlighting the region’s growth prospects, the Civil Aviation Minister, Mr. Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said North Andhra Pradesh holds vast tourism and economic potential that had remained underutilised for years. He added that the airport’s inauguration would be taken up shortly at the national level.

“This is a historic milestone in the development journey of Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam is set to become the economic capital of the east. The Bhogapuram airport will serve as a powerful engine of growth, creating employment opportunities, catalysing regional industries, and significantly enhancing connectivity for people and businesses alike. The airport will strengthen trade, boost exports, and unlock the immense tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh,” he said, adding that the airport was first envisioned during the earlier tenure of the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister.

Envisaged as a gateway to India’s eastern coastline, the Bhogapuram airport will initially be capable of handling 6 million passengers per annum. Once operational, it is expected to replace the existing Visakhapatnam International Airport, which currently handles a lower passenger capacity, officials noted.

The airport is expected to serve a wide catchment area covering Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, surrounding hinterlands, and parts of South Odisha, significantly improving regional and inter-state connectivity.

The project is being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited, under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, the Andhra Pradesh government, and GMR Airports were present during the proving flight.

Spread across 2,203.26 acres, the airport’s passenger terminal will cover 77,342 square metres. The terminal will feature 22 check-in counters, 18 self-baggage drop units, four baggage carousels, and 31 X-ray machines. Plans also include 12 immigration counters, 14 emigration counters, and 12 Digi Yatra pods, aimed at offering a seamless and technology-enabled passenger experience.

With this successful validation flight, Bhogapuram Airport moves closer to becoming a critical aviation and economic hub for Andhra Pradesh and the eastern region.