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Countdown Begins for North Andhra's Largest Aviation Milestone

Visakhapatnam, 20th July 2026: The countdown has officially begun for the inauguration of Vizag Airport, named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, with Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi set to dedicate Andhra Pradesh's newest international airport to the nation on August 1, 2026. The inauguration marks the culmination of one of India's most significant aviation infrastructure projects and heralds a new era of enhanced connectivity, economic growth and regional development for North Coastal Andhra.

Demonstrating its readiness for commercial operations, the airport has secured all major statutory and regulatory clearances, including the Aerodrome Licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), security vetting approvals from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), notification as an Immigration Check Post (ICP), Customs notification under Section 8 of the Customs Act, Consent to Operate (CTO) from the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board, along with other mandatory operational approvals from the concerned regulatory authorities. These approvals pave the way for the commencement of scheduled commercial operations immediately after inauguration.

Strategically located at Bhogapuram near Vizag, the airport will serve as the primary aviation gateway for Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and neighbouring districts of southern Odisha and Chhattisgarh, significantly improving access to major domestic and international destinations. It is also expected to strengthen the Visakhapatnam Economic Region (VER) by supporting tourism, trade, logistics, manufacturing and investment across North Coastal Andhra.

Ahead of the inauguration, the Central and State Governments have accelerated road connectivity projects linking the airport with Visakhapatnam and surrounding districts. Seven key approach roads, enhanced public transport services and improved highway connectivity are expected to provide seamless access for passengers travelling to and from the airport.

Beyond passenger connectivity, the airport is expected to serve as a catalyst for long-term economic development. Its dedicated cargo infrastructure, proximity to industrial corridors and planned aviation ecosystem will strengthen export competitiveness, improve logistics efficiency and support emerging sectors such as information technology, pharmaceuticals, electronics, seafood exports and advanced manufacturing.

The airport has also been developed with sustainability at its core, incorporating renewable energy, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible infrastructure to support efficient, resilient and future-ready operations.

With final preparations entering their last phase, government agencies, regulatory authorities, airport stakeholders and partner organisations are working in close coordination to ensure the successful inauguration and operational launch of the airport.

The opening of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a defining milestone in Andhra Pradesh's aviation journey, creating new opportunities for passengers, businesses and investors while reinforcing Visakhapatnam's position as the "Gateway of the East" and a major engine of economic growth for eastern India.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 121 million passengers in FY26 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2025, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 107 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris Orly, and nearly 379 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2025, group revenue stood at €6,704 million and net income at €382 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit https://www.gmrgroup.com

For Further Information, please contact:

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  • Sangeetha CR
  • Subhendu Ray
  • AVP Corporate Communications - GHIAL and Adjacencies
  • AVP and COE Head-Media Relations, GMR Group

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