Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport operations commenced

Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport: The commercial operations of civil aviation have commenced at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram with the arrival of the first flight 6E 6408 operated by IndiGo from Hyderabad at 6:45 AM on Monday. The GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) authorities gave ceremonial water cannon salute, celebrating the start of a new chapter in regional aviation to the first flight IndiGo as well as first arrivals of the other airlines for the day Air India Express, Air India, Indigo, Scoot, and India One. With a planned 52 air traffic movements (ATMs) on day one, the airport buzzed with activity, marking a vibrant start to its operational journey. Union minister for civil aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu along with district collector S Ramsundar Reddy, GVIAL Chief Executive Officer Kanwarbir Singh Kalra, Markfed chairman Karrothu Bangarraju, senior dignitaries, and stakeholders from the airport community ceremonially handed over boarding passes to passengers on the inaugural IndiGo and Air India Express flights and presented commemorative mementoes.

Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport: GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) has developed the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport under the Public Private Partnership model with a strong focus on operational efficiency, passenger convenience and long-term scalability. The airport was designed with an initial capacity of 6 million passengers annually in 77,342 sq. m. integrated passenger terminal brings together modern facilities, scalable to more than 40 million passengers. Its airside infrastructure includes a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, capable of handling wide-body aircraft, positions the airport to support future domestic and international expansion while strengthening air cargo capabilities and reinforcing Andhra Pradesh’s emergence as a major aviation and logistics hub on India’s eastern seaboard. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the modern facility equipped with a number of features besides representing the culture and traditions of the North Coastal Andhra Pradesh on August 1st. A 17-days after its formal inauguration by PM Modi, the GVIAL authorities officially commenced the commercial operation from August 17th. This ASR International Airport is expected to ushering in a new era of connectivity, economic opportunity, and regional growth for North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and marks a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation journey, strengthening the state’s position as the “Gateway of the East” for domestic and international travel.

Speaking at the ceremonial event, GVIAL Chief Executive Officer Kanwarbir Singh Kalra said, “The commencement of commercial operations at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a transformational moment for North Andhra Pradesh and the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s connectivity journey. We are delighted to welcome our first passengers and airline partners as the airport begins serving the region with a safe, seamless, and world-class travel experience. We will endeavor to expand connectivity from this airport. This airport will serve as a powerful catalyst for trade, tourism, investment, and employment, while strengthening regional and global connectivity and supporting the long-term economic growth of North Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking on this occasion, Union Minister Rammohan Naidu said that the airport’s design beautifully mirrors our rich history and cultural heritage. The GMR Group has poured its heart and soul into delivering this world-class infrastructure, stepping into this airport makes you truly feel as though the world has arrived at our doorstep. People once referred to North Andhra as a backward region, but today it stands as a powerhouse of development and progress. A vibrant new chapter has begun for the economic and infrastructural growth of the region with the launch of this world-class international airport.

Addressing public sentiment regarding the transition of commercial flights away from the existing Visakhapatnam airport, Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said that whenever major developmental shifts occur, there is naturally some initial discomfort or sentiment attached. Many people feel a sense of loss over operations winding down at the old Visakhapatnam airport. The government is actively formulating strategic plans on how best to utilize the Visakhapatnam airport infrastructure in the future.