Successful validation flight at Bhogapuram airport a major milestone, says Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu

Andhra Pradesh marked a major milestone in its aviation and infrastructure journey on January 4, 2026 (Sunday) with the successful validation flight at the Bhogapuram greenfield international airport, a project expected to significantly strengthen regional connectivity and boost economic growth in the Uttarandhra region.

In a post on X, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu congratulated the people of Andhra Pradesh, particularly those in the Uttarandhra region, on the achievement, calling it a new chapter in the State’s aviation sector.

He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision, leadership and commitment to the development of Andhra Pradesh.

The Chief Minister noted that the airport had been planned and initiated during the NDA government’s tenure between 2014 and 2019, and announced that the Bhogapuram airport would be ready for commercial flight operations from June.

“The successful validation flight marks a historic moment as Uttarandhra prepares to take off, enhancing connectivity and accelerating regional development,” Mr. Naidu said.

Jagan claims credit

In his post on X,  YSR Congress Party president Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy described the development as a significant milestone under the #VisionVizag initiative. As the first flight prepared to touch down near Visakhapatnam, he said the State was accelerating on its “growth runway,” reflecting Andhra Pradesh’s long-term infrastructure vision.

Congratulating the GMR Group for its execution, the former Chief Minister claimed that the foundation for the project was “firmly laid during the YSRCP government’s tenure.”

“Expedited permissions, timely approvals and comprehensive land acquisition, including Rehabilitation and Resettlement, involving an expenditure of nearly ₹960 crore, ensured uninterrupted progress of the project,” he said.

The former Chief Minister also recalled the role of Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in approving the Bhogapuram Airport Bypass National Highway project in March 2023, which provides vital connectivity between Visakhapatnam Port and the airport.

He said the airport was expected to play a key role in transforming Visakhapatnam into a major economic, industrial and connectivity hub on the East Coast, while attracting investments and generating employment across the region.