Bhogapuram International Airport To Be Ready By 2026, Air Travellers Call For Better Connectivity

With the Bhogapuram International Airport set to be operational by June 2026, air travelers from Visakhapatnam are demanding urgent improvements in road, rail, and metro connectivity to the facility, which lies 50–60 km away from the city centre.

The logistical challenges, including a travel time of 2.5 to 3 hours during peak traffic, have sparked concerns about accessibility.

Manomay Rai, CEO of GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GMRVIAL), highlighted the airport's potential as a game-changer for the region.

Speaking to The Hindu, he noted that the new airport, designed to handle large wide-bodied aircraft, would catalyse economic growth by impacting sectors such as logistics, tourism, real estate, and hospitality.

“Sustainability in airport operations and digitalisation are the future of the aviation industry,” Rai emphasised, addressing the challenges posed by emissions from aircraft, ground support vehicles, and other operational activities.

Connectivity Challenges and Public Demands

Passengers and stakeholders are urging the government to expedite infrastructure projects, including the construction of 12 flyovers and the completion of the coastal corridor within the next 18 months. Another key demand is the extension of the proposed metro rail project, which currently ends at Madhurawada, to directly link with the airport.

Enhanced public transportation is seen as crucial to making the airport accessible and cost-effective for travelers. Without these improvements, Bhogapuram Airport risks being underutilized despite its state-of-the-art facilities.

Project Milestones and Delays

The ambitious Rs. 4,700 crore project, under the aegis of GMR Airports Ltd (GAL), had its foundation stone laid in 2015 during the tenure of then Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapati Raju and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. While central government approvals were secured in 2016 and 2,700 acres of land acquired for construction, the project faced delays, pushing the completion timeline from 2023 to 2026.

Currently, construction is progressing rapidly, with air-conditioning systems and other infrastructure installations underway. However, challenges remain, including the absence of direct international flights and cargo services at the existing Visakhapatnam International Airport.

Malaysia Airlines recently announced its decision to cease operations from Visakhapatnam Airport in January 2024, citing low passenger numbers. Stakeholders have long called for direct international flights to destinations like Dubai and Sri Lanka to reduce dependence on stopovers in Hyderabad.