Validation flight conducted at Bhogapuram airport

The Greenfield International Airport at Bhogapuram crossed a major milestone on Sunday with the successful conduct of a validation flight, a critical step towards the launch of commercial operations.

An Air India aircraft operated the validation flight at the GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport, which is being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu witnessed the flight along with senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, the Andhra Pradesh government, and the GMR Group.

Officials said the exercise validated key airside infrastructure, including the runway, navigational aids, and operational systems, in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The validation is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the aerodrome licence and must be completed before scheduled commercial services can begin.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Rammohan Naidu described the development as a landmark moment for Andhra Pradesh. He said the Bhogapuram airport would significantly improve regional and international connectivity, support trade and exports, and give a strong push to tourism. The project, he added, would also create employment and attract fresh investment to the region.

GMR Group Business Chairman for Airports G.B.S. Raju said the airport reflected the Group’s long-term commitment to building world-class aviation infrastructure. He noted that the project was envisioned as a growth driver for the State, with benefits for tourism, trade, and allied sectors.

GMR Group Deputy Managing Director I. Prabhakar Rao said the project had crossed 90 per cent completion and was progressing ahead of schedule, reflecting coordinated efforts of multiple stakeholders behind the airport’s timely delivery plans overall.