Successfully Conducts Validation Flight on Air India
Taking a leap towards operational readiness, GMR Aero-led GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), today successfully conducted the validation flight at the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport.
This marks a major milestone in the development of Andhra Pradesh’s new Greenfield international airport.
The validation flight was conducted by an Air India plane in the presence of the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, senior officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Government of Andhra Pradesh, and leadership from GMR Group.
As per an official release from GMR the successful flight validates the airport’s airside infrastructure, navigational aids, runway systems, and operational readiness, in line with the regulatory requirements laid down by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
It is a crucial step in the process of acquiring an aerodrome license and a critical prerequisite before the commencement of commercial flight operations.
“Today marks a historic milestone in the development journey of Andhra Pradesh. Visakhapatnam is set to become the economic capital of the East.
The Bhogapuram Airport will serve as a powerful engine of growth—creating employment opportunities, catalysing regional industries, and significantly enhancing connectivity for people and businesses alike.
The airport will strengthen trade, boost exports, and unlock the immense tourism potential of Andhra Pradesh.
With world-class infrastructure, this project will accelerate economic development, attract investment, and place the region firmly on the global aviation and commerce map.
I commend all stakeholders for their commitment and timely execution of this nationally important project, which aligns with the Government of India’s vision of building modern, inclusive, and growth-oriented aviation infrastructure that benefits every citizen” said Mr Rammohan Naidu.
Business Chairman, Airports, GMR Group, Mr G B S Raju, said, “The Bhogapuram International Airport is a reflection of GMR Group’s long-standing commitment to creating world-class national assets that catalyse economic growth and regional development.
For over two decades, the Group has played a pioneering role in building and operating some of India’s most iconic airports, transforming aviation infrastructure through scale, sustainability and passenger-centric design.
Our deep expertise across the airport value chain—spanning development, operations, modernisation and global partnerships—positions us uniquely to deliver future-ready aviation hubs.
Bhogapuram Airport is being developed not merely as an airport, but as a powerful growth engine for Andhra Pradesh, with the potential to spur employment, tourism, trade and allied industries.
At GMR Group, we take pride in building assets of national importance that stand the test of time, and Bhogapuram will be another landmark in India’s aviation journey and the Group’s legacy of infrastructure excellence.”
GMR Group’s Deputy Managing Director, Mr. I Prabhakar Rao, said, “The Bhogapuram Airport project has achieved over 90% completion and is progressing well ahead of the stipulated timelines.
GMR brings a proven track record of delivering critical national infrastructure projects before schedule, and the Bhogapuram Airport is being developed in line with the highest global standards.
The successful conduct of the validation flight reflects the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. Upon commencement of operations, the airport will offer world-class facilities and a seamless passenger experience, reinforcing the Government’s vision of modern, future-ready aviation infrastructure for Andhra Pradesh and the nation.”
Once operational, Bhogapuram Airport is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity for Andhra Pradesh. It will also stimulate economic growth, promote tourism, and create employment opportunities, contributing to the overall development of the region.
GVIAL is developing the airport on the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.
As per the release the Greenfield Airport will be developed in stages. Initially, the airport will be built to service 6 million passengers per annum, and will be scaled up based on passenger traffic growth.
The airport will also have an Aerotropolis, an Aviation Hub, and a dedicated state-of-the-art cargo terminal, ensuring world-class facilities for efficient cargo operations.
