CityLightBuzz: Visakhapatnam/Vizianagaram, August 17, 2026: The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), commenced commercial operations today, marking a new chapter in connectivity, economic opportunities and regional development in North Andhra Pradesh.
The launch marks a significant milestone for Andhra Pradesh’s aviation sector and further strengthens the state’s position as a gateway to the East for domestic and international air travel.
Commercial operations began with a series of historic inaugural flights connecting Visakhapatnam with major Indian cities as well as key destinations in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The launch demonstrated the airport’s potential to emerge as a strategic aviation hub connecting North Andhra Pradesh with the global network.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, senior officials, dignitaries and representatives from the aviation sector participated in the inaugural programme. As part of the celebrations, the Minister ceremonially presented boarding passes to passengers travelling on the first IndiGo and Air India Express flights and presented commemorative mementoes marking the commencement of airport operations.
Historic First Flights on Opening Day
First Flight of the Day
- IndiGo 6E 6408: Hyderabad (HYD) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
- IndiGo 6E 9051: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Hyderabad (HYD) – Departure
First International Flight by an Indian Airline
- IndiGo 6E 1443: Abu Dhabi (AUH) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
- IndiGo 6E 1444: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Departure
First Flight by an International Airline
- Scoot TR 784: Singapore (SIN) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
- Scoot TR 785: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Singapore (SIN) – Departure
.The first arriving flights operated by Air India Express, Air India, IndiGo, Scoot and IndiaOne received a traditional water-cannon salute, marking the beginning of a new era in regional aviation.The airport was scheduled to handle 52 Air Traffic Movements (ATMs) on its first day of commercial operations, giving the new facility a busy and energetic start.
GVIAL CEO Highlights Airport’s Importance
Kanwarbir Singh Kalra, CEO of GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), described the commencement of commercial operations as a transformational milestone for North Andhra Pradesh.
He said the launch marks a new chapter in the region’s connectivity journey and reflects years of planning, engineering expertise, regulatory compliance and operational preparedness by the airport team and its partners.
Welcoming the first passengers and airline partners, Kalra said GVIAL is committed to providing passengers with a safe, comfortable and world-class travel experience.
He added that the airport would work towards expanding connectivity further and serve as a powerful catalyst for trade, tourism, investment and employment while strengthening regional and international connectivity and supporting the long-term economic development of North Andhra Pradesh.Airport Inaugurated by PM Modi .The airport was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, 2026.Designed with an initial annual passenger-handling capacity of 60 lakh passengers, the airport has been planned for phased expansion. The master plan provides the potential to eventually handle more than 4 crore passengers annually.The airport features a 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, capable of handling wide-body aircraft. This infrastructure is expected to support the expansion of domestic and international air connectivity in the coming years.The airport is also expected to strengthen air cargo capabilities and help establish Andhra Pradesh as a major aviation and logistics hub on India’s eastern coast.With commercial operations now underway, the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is positioned to play a key role in transforming connectivity, tourism, trade, investment and employment opportunities across North Andhra Pradesh
