(Image source from: x.com/MoCA_GoI)
Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) International Airport located in Bhogapuram reached an important milestone on Sunday with the successful landing of the first test flight at this high-quality airport. This achievement sets the stage for starting commercial flights after Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurates the ASR International Airport on June 26, 2026. The first commercial flight brought Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu and other high-ranking officials, landing at the airport on Sunday celebrated by a ceremonial water cannon salute as it rolled along. Attendees included representatives from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Government of Andhra Pradesh, and the GMR Group.
In a press conference following the test flight event, Ram Mohan Naidu pointed out the rapid progress of the project, stating, "What we have accomplished here is historic. From around 23 percent progress, the project has now reached 96 percent completion in an impressive timeframe since the NDA alliance took control in AP.” The union minister mentioned that the vision for ASR-Bhogapuram airport goes way beyond just passenger travel. "This airport is being designed to create a long-lasting aviation environment. The State Government has set aside 500 acres next to the airport for services related to aviation, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities.
— MoCA_GoI (@MoCA_GoI) January 5, 2026
Ram Mohan Naidu stated that, under the leadership of the state's IT and Industries minister Nara Lokesh, they are also developing an educational environment for aviation and aerospace at the same time. He emphasized that India's aviation industry is consistently growing. In just 2025, over 100 new aircraft were added. A similar growth rate is anticipated every year for the next 10 to 15 years. Regarding international travel, the union minister noted that Visakhapatnam is already included in India's open-skies policy. "With high standards being established at ASR-Bhogapuram airport, we expect strong interest from global airlines, especially for flights to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. "
Straight from my mobile, Memories to keep. Sharing moments of the first touchdown and water cannon welcome at Bhogapuram Airport. pic.twitter.com/3NjTrpiELk
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) January 4, 2026
Currently, Vizag Airport manages about 33 flights per day, all of which will eventually move to Bhogapuram. When asked about the establishment of several airports in urban areas, Ram Mohan Naidu clarified that this follows a global trend and is considered best practice. "As city populations and the demand for travel increase, additional airports become necessary to relieve pressure on main hubs. On the topic of international air service agreements, the union minister outlined a two-pronged approach to support Indian airlines while positioning India as an international transit point, similar to Dubai and Singapore.
Happy to share this historic first landing at Bhogapuram. One smooth touchdown marking the first step toward a transformative future for the region. pic.twitter.com/m4KzmcVFJf
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) January 4, 2026
"As India introduces more wide-body planes, the availability of long-distance travel will improve. This will lead to the development of bilateral agreements, especially with places like Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Global South, where India's diplomatic and economic influence is growing quickly," Ram Mohan Naidu explained. Regarding the proposed airport in Amaravati, the capital of AP, he mentioned that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has shared a clear vision for creating a world-class, future-ready capital city. "As part of this goal, a dedicated airport is currently being considered. Site identification and feasibility studies are being conducted. Once these steps are completed, the necessary approvals will be pursued,” the union minister stressed.
