Daijiworld Media Network - Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam, Jan 4: Marking a significant step towards operational readiness, GMR Aero-led GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) on Sunday successfully conducted a validation flight at the upcoming Greenfield Bhogapuram International Airport near Visakhapatnam.
The validation flight was operated by an Air India aircraft in the presence of Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Andhra Pradesh government representatives, and top leadership of the GMR Group, according to a press release.
Officials said the successful flight validated the airport’s airside infrastructure, runway systems, navigational aids and overall operational preparedness, in compliance with regulatory requirements prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The exercise is a crucial prerequisite for obtaining the aerodrome licence and before commencement of commercial flight operations.
Addressing the occasion, Rammohan Naidu said the day marked a historic milestone in Andhra Pradesh’s development journey. “Visakhapatnam is set to emerge as the economic capital of the East. The Bhogapuram Airport will act as a powerful growth engine by generating employment, boosting regional industries and enhancing connectivity for people and businesses,” he said.
The minister added that the airport would strengthen trade, boost exports and unlock the state’s vast tourism potential, while world-class infrastructure would attract investments and place the region firmly on the global aviation and commerce map. He earlier stated that the target is to commence airport operations by June this year.
GMR Group Business Chairman (Airports) G B S Raju said the Bhogapuram International Airport reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to developing world-class national assets that drive economic growth and regional development. “For over two decades, GMR has played a pioneering role in building and operating iconic airports across India, transforming aviation infrastructure through scale, sustainability and passenger-centric design,” he said.
GMR Group Deputy Managing Director I Prabhakar Rao said the project has achieved over 90 per cent completion and is progressing well ahead of the stipulated timelines.
GVIAL is developing the airport under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis. The airport will be developed in phases, with an initial capacity to handle six million passengers annually, scalable based on traffic growth.
The Bhogapuram Airport will also feature an aerotropolis, aviation hub and a dedicated state-of-the-art cargo terminal, offering world-class facilities for efficient cargo operations.