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{{Short description|Underconstruction airport in Andhra Pradesh}}
{{About|the upcoming airport in the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region|the current operational airport|Visakhapatnam Airport}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2026}}
{{Use Indian English|date=December 2017}}
{{Infobox airport
| name = Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
| IATA = VIZ
| ICAO = VOVI
| type = Public
| nativename = Allūri Sītārāma Rāju Antarjātīya Vimānāśrayaṁ
| image = 2025-04-01-00 00 2025-04-01-23 59 Sentinel-2 L2A Highlight Optimized Natural Color.jpg
| image-width = 300
| caption = Aerial view of the site {{as of|April 2025|lc=y}}
| coordinates = {{coord|17|58|34|N|083|30|14|E|type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| pushpin_label =
| pushpin_map = India Andhra Pradesh#India#
| owner-oper = {{ubl|[[Government of Andhra Pradesh]]|[[GMR Group]]}}
| city-served = [[Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region]]
| location = [[Bhogapuram]], [[Vizianagaram district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], India
| elevation-m = 18
| metric-rwy = yes
| r1-length-f = 12,467
| r1-surface = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| r1-number = 10/28
| r1-length-m = 3,800
| r2-number =
| r2-length-m =
| r2-length-f =
| r2-surface =
| footnotes =
| stat-year =
| website = {{URL|https://gmrvisakhapatnamairport.com/|Visakhapatnam Airport}}
}}

'''Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport''' {{airport codes|VIZ|VOVI}}, also known as '''Bhogapuram Airport''', is an under construction [[greenfield airport]] at [[Bhogapuram]] in [[Vizianagaram district]], [[Andhra Pradesh]], India. The airport is intended to serve the [[North Andhra]] region and is located off the [[National Highway 16 (India)|National Highway 16]], about {{cvt|45|km}} from [[Visakhapatnam]]. It is being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited, a subsidiary of [[GMR Group]]. In September 2024, the upcoming airport was named after Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter [[Alluri Sitarama Raju]]. The first phase of the project is being developed at a cost of {{INRconvert|45.92|b}}, and is expected to be completed in 2026.

== History ==
=== Background ===
The [[North Andhra]] region is served by the [[Visakhapatnam Airport]], which operates as a [[civil enclave]] at [[INS Dega]], a [[naval air station]] of the [[Indian Navy]]. It is designated as a [[customs airport]], and is permitted to operate only limited international flights.<ref>{{cite web|title=INS Dega|url=http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-dega|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407191733/http://indiannavy.nic.in/about-indian-navy/ins-dega|archive-date=7 April 2014|access-date=5 July 2013|work=[[Indian Navy]]}}</ref><ref name="Info">{{cite report|url=https://www.aai.aero/sites/default/files/airport_brochures/vizag%20brochure%20pdf_0.pdf|title=Visakhapatnam Airport|work=[[Airports Authority of India]]|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> The Indian navy had stated that it is unable to allocate more slots for commercial flights at the airport due to its increased utilisation for military activities.<ref>{{cite news |title=No more flight slots at Vizag airport: Navy |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/96363453.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date= 22 December 2022 | access-date= 22 September 2024 }}</ref> A [[Greenfield airport]] for [[Visakhapatnam]] was initially planned during the [[N. Chandrababu Naidu]] government in 1997 under the [[Andhra Pradesh (1956–2014)|Andhra Pradesh state]]. Alternate sites like Sabbavaram, Achyutapuram and Koruprolu were also considered.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Balarama Krishna |first1=R. V. |last2=Durga Rani |first2=K. |last3=Gopala Raju |first3=S. S. S. V. |year=2012 |title=Site suitability study for an International Airport in Visakhapatnam |url=https://www.i-scholar.in/index.php/ijeim/article/view/31707/27336 |journal=Indian Journal of Education and Information Management |volume=1 |issue=5 |pages=203–206 |issn=2277-5374 |via=i-Scholar}}</ref>

=== Planning and development ===
In June 2015, the [[Airports Authority of India]] gave its technical approval for the site at [[Bhogapuram]].<ref>{{cite news |title=NAAI nod for Bhogapuram Airport Plan, says Minister |url= http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/naai-nod-for-bhogapuram-airport-plan-says-minister/article7343904.ece |work=[[The Hindu]] |date= 23 June 2015 | access-date= 23 June 2015 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=14 March 2015|title=AP plans aerotropolis at Bhogapuram|work=[[The Times of India]]|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/AP-plans-aerotropolis-at-Bhogapuram/articleshow/46559639.cms|access-date=23 June 2015}}</ref> The site is located off the [[National Highway 16 (India)|National Highway 16]], about {{cvt|45|km}} from Visakhapatnam.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/bhogapuram-airport-to-boost-real-estate-sector-1892901|title=Bhogapuram Airport to Boost Real Estate Sector|date=22 July 2025|access-date=1 August 2025|work=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref> By March 2016, the [[Government of Andhra Pradesh|state government]] had acquired {{cvt|2,703|acre}} of land for the project, and further acquisition of land was delayed due to agitation from locals.<ref>{{cite news|date=1 September 2015|title=Bhogapuram: suitable package for ryots being evolved, says C.M.|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/bhogapuram-suitable-package-for-ryots-being-evolved-says-cm/article7605379.ece|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> The project was approved by the state government in September 2016, and the airport was planned to be developed under a [[public–private partnership]] basis.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Govt-panel-clears-three-new-airports-in-Andhra-Pradesh/articleshow/54525371.cms |title=Andhra Pradesh: Govt panel clears three new airports in Andhra Pradesh |work=[[The Times of India]] |date=26 September 2016}}</ref> The airport got environmental clearance in August 2017,<ref>{{cite news|date=21 August 2017|title=Green Nod to Rs 2000 crore Bhogapuram International Airport project in Andhra Pradesh|url=https://www.ndtv.com/andhra-pradesh-news/green-nod-to-rs-2-000-crore-bhogapuram-international-airport-project-in-andhra-pradesh-1740160|work=[[NDTV]]|access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref> and the bids for the development of the airport were submitted in the same month.<ref>{{cite news |title=Airports Authority of India, GMR in race to bag Bhogapuram airport project |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/vijayawada/airports-authority-of-india-gmr-in-race-to-bag-bhogapuram-airport-project/articleshow/60139802.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |date= 20 August 2017| access-date= 21 August 2017 }}</ref> The foundation stone for the airport was laid by the then [[Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh|chief minister]] [[N. Chandrababu Naidu]] on 14 February 2019.<ref>{{cite news|title=Chief minister Chandrababu laid Foundation stone for Bhogapuram International Airport near Vizag|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/foundation-laid-bhogapuram-international-airport-near-vizag-96736|access-date=18 April 2020|work=The News Minute|date=15 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Rao |first=K. Srinivasa |date=5 November 2022 |title=Andhra Pradesh government gearing up to lay foundation stone for Bhogapuram international airport |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/andhra-pradesh-government-gearing-up-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-bhogapuram-international-airport/article66099386.ece |access-date=15 April 2023 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Talari |first=Yadedya |date=15 February 2019 |title=CM Chandrababu Naidu lays foundation stone for Bhogapuram airport |url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Andhra-Pradesh/2019-02-14/CM-Chandrababu-Naidu-lays-foundation-stone-for-Bhogapuram-airport/494820 |access-date=15 April 2023 |work=[[Hans India]]}}</ref> In March 2020, the state government allocated {{cvt|2200|acre}} for the development of the airport, while keeping aside {{cvt|500|acre}} of land for future development.<ref>t{{cite news|title=Cabinet fixes 2,200 acres of land for Bhogapuram airport project|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2020/mar/05/cabinet-fixes-2200-acres-of-land--for-bhogapuram-airport-project-2112517.html|access-date=16 April 2020|work=[[The New Indian Express]]|date=5 March 2020 }}</ref>

The contract for the development and operations of the airport was awarded to GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a [[Special Purpose Entity]] owned by the [[GMR Group]], which was set up in June 2020.<ref name="PIB">{{cite press release |title=The first phase of the development of Bhogapuram International Greenfield Airport set in motion |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1922036 |access-date= 31 July 2025 |work=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Andhra Pradesh government drops aerotropolis in Vizag,airport alone to be built|work=[[The Economic Times]]|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/andhra-pradesh-government-drops-aerotropolis-in-vizag-airport-alone-to-be-built/articleshow/76370814.cms|access-date=1 June 2025}}</ref> In 2022, the state government signed an agreement with the navy to move the civilian operations from the Visakhapatnam airport to the planned new airport in phases over the next 30 years.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1922036&reg=3&lang=2|title=The first phase of the development of Bhogapuram International Greenfield Airport set in motion|date=4 May 2023|access-date=1 June 2025|work=[[Press Information Bureau]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=5 September 2022|title=Bhogapuram Airport to start soon|work=Eenadu|url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-news/ap-top-news/general/2501/122169115|access-date=28 September 2022|lang=te}}</ref> {{As of|September 2022}}, most of the land acquisition had been completed, with only {{cvt|28|acre}} pending to be acquired.<ref>{{cite news|date=20 September 2022|title=Top priority to early completion of land acquisition for Bhogapuram Airport at Bhogapuram|work=[[The Hindu]]|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/top-priority-for-early-completion-of-land-acquisition-for-bhogapuram-airport-at-bhogapuram/article65912920.ece|access-date=28 September 2022}}</ref> The airport was planned to be developed in three phases, with the first phase projected to cost {{INRconvert|45.92|b}}.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 January 2026 |title=First commercial validation flight lands at Alluri Sitarama Raju (Bhogapuram) International Airport |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2026/Jan/04/first-commercial-validation-flight-lands-at-alluri-sitarama-raju-bhogapuram-international-airport |access-date=26 January 2026 |work=[[The New Indian Express]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=3 March 2023 |title=GMR Group to invest Rs 5,000 cr on Bhogapuram Airport in Andhra Pradesh: GM Rao |work=[[The Economic Times]] |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/gmr-group-to-invest-rs-5000-cr-on-bhogapuram-airport-in-ap-gm-rao/articleshow/98385954.cms |access-date=15 May 2023 |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> Upon the completion of the first phase, the airport is expected to be able to handle 6.3 million passengers annually, which is expected to increase to 12 and 18 million after the completion of the second and third phases respectively.<ref name="PIB"/>

=== Construction ===
[[File:Bhogapuram Airport progress GIF 2023-24.gif|alt=Progress of construction from 2023 to 2024 based on satellite imagery|thumb|Progress of construction]]

After the land acquisition was completed, then state chief minister [[Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy]] re-laid the foundation stone for the project on 3 May 2023.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 May 2023 |title=Andhra Pradesh CM Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy lays foundation stone for Bhogapuram airport |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/andhra-pradesh-cm-y-s-jagan-mohan-reddy-lays-foundation-stone-for-bhogapuram-airport/articleshow/99974823.cms |access-date=20 April 2025 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> During this period, the state government decided to [[downsize]] the project area, reducing the land allocated for the airport from the original 2,700 acres to 2,200 acres. The construction officially began later that year in November 2023, with [[Larsen & Toubro]] being awarded the contract for the civil works by the GMR group.<ref>{{cite news |date=8 November 2023 |title=L&T Awarded Vizag Bhogapuram Airport's Construction Contract |url=https://themetrorailguy.com/2023/11/08/lt-awarded-vizag-bhogapuram-airports-construction-contract/ |access-date=20 April 2025 |work=The Metro Rail Guy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Andhra Pradesh: Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport work begins |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/Nov/01/andhra-pradesh-bhogapuram-greenfield-international-airport-work-begins-2628961.html |access-date=31 July 2025 |work=[[The New Indian Express]] }}</ref> Following the return of the TDP-led government in 2024, the project was prioritised for rapid completion. In September 2024, the state cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, officially decided to name the facility the [[Alluri Sitarama Raju]] International Airport, honoring the legendary Indian revolutionary and freedom fighter from the region.<ref>{{cite news |date=18 September 2024 |title=AP cabinet approves new liquor policy, renaming airport |url=https://www.siasat.com/ap-cabinet-approves-new-liquor-policy-renaming-airport-3098539/ |access-date=18 September 2024 |work=The Siasat Daily }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Ilyas |first=M. D. |date=19 September 2024 |title=AP Cabinet Approves New Liquor Policy, 10% Shops to Kallu Geethas |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/ap-cabinet-approves-new-liquor-policy-10-shops-to-kallu-geethas-1824467 |access-date=19 September 2024 |work=[[Deccan Chronicle]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=19 September 2024 |title='Bhogapuram Airport will be opened six months before scheduled construction' |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/visakhapatnam/bhogapuram-airport-will-be-opened-six-months-before-scheduled-construction/articleshow/113497053.cms |access-date=19 September 2024 |work=[[The Times of India]] |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-11-21 |title=Bhogapuram Airport to be named after Alluri Seetharama Raju |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/andhra-pradesh/bhogapuram-airport-to-be-named-after-alluri-seetharama-raju-1840249 |access-date=2026-04-11 |website=www.deccanchronicle.com |language=en}}</ref> In November 2024, [[Tata group]] announced plans for commercial development near the airport and sought land for the same from the government.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rao |first=K. Srinivasa |date=12 November 2024 |title=Star hotels, resorts likely to come up near Bhogapuram international airport |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/star-hotels-resorts-likely-to-come-up-near-bhogapuram-international-airport/article68859661.ece |access-date=25 November 2024 |work=[[The Hindu]] |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 4 January 2026, the first validation flight landed at the airport as part of the requirement for obtaining an operating license.<ref>{{cite news |date=4 January 2026 |title=GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport successfully conducts validation flight at Bhogapuram |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/gmr-visakhapatnam-international-airport-successfully-conducts-validation-flight-at-bhogapuram/articleshow/126333232.cms?from=mdr |access-date=4 January 2026 |work=[[The Economic Times]] |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> The first phase of the airport is projected to be completed by 2026.<ref>{{cite news |date=7 May 2024 |title=Andhra's Bhogapuram airport's ongoing rapid progress|work=[[The Financial Express (India)|The Financial Express]] |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/airlines-aviation-andhras-bhogapuram-airports-ongoing-rapid-progress-know-about-the-projects-cost-features-and-the-future-of-vizag-airport-3479578/ |access-date=13 May 2024}}</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist}}

{{Airports in India}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Airports in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Vizianagaram district]]
[[Category:Transport in Vizianagaram district]]
[[Category:Public–private partnership projects in India]]
[[Category:GMR Group]]
[[Category:Airports in India]]
[[Category:International airports in India]]
[[Category:Transport in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in Visakhapatnam]]
[[Category:Uttarandhra]]
[[Category:Airports Authority of India]]

Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport - Revision history

Voclirecords at 11:45, 2 May 2026