PM Modi to Inaugurate Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district on Saturday, August 1, 2026. The launch marks the opening of Andhra Pradesh’s first greenfield international airport since the state bifurcation in 2014. During the visit, Prime Minister Modi will also lay foundation stones for infrastructure developments worth over ₹17,900 crore across Andhra Pradesh.
What Happened
The official itinerary for Saturday, August 1, 2026, indicates Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Vizianagaram district at 10:45 a.m., followed by the inauguration of the airport terminal at 10:58 a.m. The Prime Minister is slated to inspect the airport facilities and address a public gathering. Governor S. Abdul Nazeer and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will receive the Prime Minister upon his arrival. This visit also marks Mr. Modi’s first public programme following protests at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport was developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited through a public-private partnership at a cost exceeding ₹5,640 crore. Built to handle six million passengers annually during its first phase, the airport aims to strengthen regional connectivity.
Alongside the airport opening, foundation stones will be laid for state projects exceeding ₹17,900 crore. These initiatives comprise a semiconductor plant situated at Visakhapatnam, transmission projects for renewable energy zones located in Kurnool and Anantapur, and four national highway projects.
Key Highlights
- Greenfield Airport Launch: The facility at Bhogapuram represents the first greenfield international airport in Andhra Pradesh since the 2014 state bifurcation.
- Investment & Construction: Built at a cost exceeding ₹5,640 crore by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited under a public-private partnership model.
- Passenger Capacity: The first phase of the airport is designed to service six million passengers per year.
- Statewide Infrastructure Projects: PM Modi will initiate development works worth over ₹17,900 crore, including a Visakhapatnam semiconductor facility, renewable energy transmission in Kurnool and Anantapur, and four national highway projects.
- Flight Operations Schedule: Commercial flights at Bhogapuram will officially commence on August 17, 2026.
Why This Matters
The establishment of the Bhogapuram airport creates Andhra Pradesh’s initial greenfield international air transit hub built following the 2014 bifurcation. Built to handle six million passengers annually in its inaugural phase, the facility increases air traffic capacity while accompanying investments totaling over ₹17,900 crore expand industrial, energy, and road infrastructure across Visakhapatnam, Kurnool, and Anantapur.
What to Watch Next
Scheduled commercial flights are set to begin operations at the Bhogapuram airport on August 17, 2026. On the same date, civil flight operations at the existing Visakhapatnam airport will officially cease.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bhogapuram airport inauguration scheduled?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the airport terminal on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 10:58 a.m.
What is the cost and passenger capacity of the new airport?
The airport was constructed at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore under a public-private partnership by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited and is designed to handle six million passengers annually in phase one.
When will commercial operations begin at Bhogapuram airport?
Scheduled commercial flights will begin on August 17, 2026, at which time civil operations at the Visakhapatnam airport will end.
What other projects are being launched during the visit?
Foundation stones will be laid for projects valued at over ₹17,900 crore, including a semiconductor plant in Visakhapatnam, renewable energy transmission works in Kurnool and Anantapur, and four national highway projects.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.