A view of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh
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Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh will begin commercial operations from August 17, 2026 with all scheduled domestic and international passenger services transitioning to the new airport. The transition to the New Greenfield Airport marks a significant milestone for the region, strengthening access to key domestic and international destinations while creating greater opportunities for tourism, cargo, business, trade, investment and employment across North Andhra Pradesh.Developed and operated by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under the Public Private Partnership model, the airport has been designed with a strong focus on operational efficiency, passenger convenience and long-term scalability, the airport will operate under the IATA code VTZ.Passenger ProcessingThe airport’s 77,342 sq mts integrated passenger terminal brings together modern facilities across the passenger journey, including check-in, security screening, immigration, baggage handling and boarding. DigiYatra integration, e-gates and self-service facilities are designed to enable faster and more seamless passenger processing, while advanced baggage handling systems support efficient movement of passenger baggage through the terminal.Built to support the commencement of commercial services as well as future traffic growth, the airport has an initial capacity of 6 million passengers per annum, scalable to more than 40 million passengers. Its airside infrastructure includes a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, parallel taxiway, rapid-exit taxiways and 18 aircraft stands, providing the operational infrastructure required to support scheduled airline services and future expansion.Airline ConnectivityTechnology will play an integral role in day-to-day airport operations. Smart airport systems, AI-enabled passenger services and the Airport Predictive Operations Centre (APOC) will provide real-time operational visibility and predictive analytics, supporting coordinated decision-making and efficient management of airport operations.“The transition to the new airport also marks an important milestone in the aviation ecosystem for the region. With modern infrastructure, enhanced passenger processing capabilities and capacity for future expansion, the airport is positioned to support increased airline connectivity, passenger traffic, tourism, business travel, cargo and logistics across North Andhra,’’ the GMR Group said in a release on Friday.The terminal’s design further reflects the identity of the region, drawing inspiration from the locally found flying fish, “Parava Meenu”, creating a distinctive architectural expression rooted in Andhra Pradesh’s culture and heritage. Published on August 14, 2026
