Vizag, January 4: The upcoming Bhogapuram International Airport reached a significant development milestone on Sunday, January 4, as the first test flight successfully landed at the site. The landing of a specialised aircraft equipped with flight inspection tools marks the beginning of the crucial testing phase for the Bhogapuram Airport’s navigational and technical systems. This progress keeps the project on track for its projected June 2026 inauguration.

Bhogapuram Airport, formally known as the GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport, a greenfield project, is being developed to replace the existing naval-controlled airport in Visakhapatnam. The new facility is designed to handle the region's growing passenger traffic while offering 24/7 civilian operations. With the completion of the runway and basic terminal infrastructure, authorities are now focusing on the calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other safety protocols required for commercial certification. New Flight Rules: DGCA Bars In-Flight Power Bank Use Amid Fire Fears, Check Details.

Bhogapuram Airport Marks Milestone As 1st Test Flight Successfully Lands

1st Test Flight Lands at Bhogapuram Airport

The successful touchdown of the test flight was witnessed by senior officials from the GMR Group and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The aircraft performed several low-altitude passes and landings to verify the accuracy of the Ground Based Augmentation System (GBAS) and the runway lighting.

These technical checks are mandatory before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) can grant an aerodrome license. Following this initial calibration, larger commercial-grade test flights are expected to be conducted in the coming months to simulate passenger jet operations. Airport Authority Warns of Possible Flight Delays, Changes Due to Reduced Visibility As Dense Fog Grips North India.

Bhogapuram Airport: Strategic Infrastructure and Capacity

Spanning over 2,200 acres, the Bhogapuram airport is positioned as a gateway to Andhra Pradesh’s "executive capital," Visakhapatnam. The first phase of the project is designed to accommodate 6 million passengers annually, with a long-term master plan to scale up to 40 million as demand increases.

The airport features a 3,800-meter runway, making it capable of hosting large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. This infrastructure is expected to significantly boost international connectivity and cargo exports from the North Coastal Andhra region.

Connectivity to the airport remains a priority for the state government. A 55-kilometer dedicated expressway is currently under construction to link Visakhapatnam city to Bhogapuram, aiming to reduce travel time to under 45 minutes.

Local business leaders anticipate that the airport will catalyze the "Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor." By providing dedicated 24-hour civilian access, unlike the current airport, which shares a runway with the Indian Navy, the facility is expected to attract more international airlines and logistics firms to the state.

Bhogapuram Airport: Timeline for Operations

While the project faced initial delays, construction has accelerated under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) has indicated that the terminal interior work and baggage handling systems are in the final stages of installation.

If the current testing phase concludes without technical hitches, the airport is expected to be ready for its commercial launch in June 2026, transitioning Visakhapatnam into a major hub for South Asian aviation.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 04, 2026 11:58 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).