Bhogapuram airport moves closer to take-off, set to transform North Andhra
The greenfield international airport at Bhogapuram recorded decisive progress in 2025, with construction nearing completion and the project entering a crucial execution phase. Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), the airport is increasingly being viewed as a game-changing infrastructure asset for North Andhra Pradesh.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said in September that the project had reached nearly 86 per cent physical completion and was on course for inauguration by June 2026. “The runway work has been completed, and construction of the terminal building and access infrastructure is moving at a fast pace,” he said, adding that attention had now shifted to operational readiness and safety certifications.
Aviation experts said the Bhogapuram airport would significantly reduce pressure on the existing Visakhapatnam airport, which has limited scope for expansion. “With an initial capacity of around six million passengers per annum, Bhogapuram will be able to handle future traffic growth and support new domestic and international routes,” said an aviation consultant associated with airport planning projects.
During the year, the State government approved funds for the restoration of rainwater outfall canals linked to the airport site, underlining the importance given to drainage and flood mitigation. An urban infrastructure expert said such measures were essential for long-term sustainability. “Airports are not just about runways and terminals. Managing water flow and building climate resilience are critical, especially in coastal regions like North Andhra,” the expert said.
The airport is expected to emerge as the primary aviation gateway for the Visakhapatnam–Vizianagaram–Srikakulam belt. Officials believe it will cut travel time and improve access to business centres, educational institutions, and advanced healthcare facilities. Economists said the impact would extend beyond passenger movement. “Improved air connectivity often acts as a catalyst for investment, tourism, and exports. Sectors such as seafood, pharmaceuticals, and time-sensitive manufacturing stand to gain the most,” said an industry analyst.
Improved road connectivity and proposed public transport links to the airport are also expected to drive commercial growth along the Bhogapuram corridor. As the project moves closer to commissioning, officials said the coming months would focus on system testing, regulatory approvals, and coordination with airlines.
Experts agreed that 2025 marked a clear turning point for the Bhogapuram airport, shifting it from a construction-focused project to a near-operational infrastructure asset for North Andhra Pradesh.