As Andhra Pradesh prepares to unveil Bhogapuram Airport, several big changes are set to follow. Here’s a guide to the new airport, flight transfers, transport options, unique architecture and why it’s being called a game-changer for North Andhra.

PM Modi To Inaugurate Bhogapuram Airport: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district on August 1. The airport, developed under the PPP model by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), is one of India’s fastest-completed greenfield international airports, finished nearly five months ahead of schedule.

Why Is The Airport Named After Alluri Sitarama Raju? The airport honours Alluri Sitarama Raju, the legendary freedom fighter who led the Rampa Rebellion against British rule. The naming received rare bipartisan support from the TDP, BJP, YSRCP, Congress and Left parties, reflecting his enduring legacy across Andhra Pradesh.

A Grand Tribal Welcome Awaits PM Modi: More than 13,000 children will perform the traditional Dhimsa tribal dance during the inauguration ceremony. Thousands of students have been rehearsing ahead of the event, making it one of the largest cultural performances organised for a government function in the state.

What Happens To Visakhapatnam Flights? From 12:01 am on August 17, all scheduled commercial flights operating from the civil enclave at INS Dega (Visakhapatnam Airport) will permanently shift to Bhogapuram. The familiar VTZ airport code will also move to the new airport. Scheduled commercial services at INS Dega will cease for the next 30 years, although military aircraft, VIP flights, emergency operations and non-scheduled commercial flights will continue to use the facility.

Getting To The Airport Will Be Cheaper By Electric Bus: Passengers travelling from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram can choose between electric buses and taxis. Electric bus fare is around Rs 300 whereas taxi fare is around Rs 700-Rs 1,500. The buses will connect major locations including Gajuwaka, NAD Junction, Maddilapalem, Madhurawada, Anandapuram and the airport, with additional routes planned depending on demand.

How Far Is Bhogapuram Airport? The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram is located around 43-50 km from Visakhapatnam city along National Highway-16, close to the Vizianagaram district border. Travellers can expect the journey to take around 1 hour 30 minutes by cab, while the newly introduced electric bus services will take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to two hours, depending on the route and traffic conditions. The improved road connectivity and public transport options are expected to make the airport easily accessible for passengers travelling from Visakhapatnam and nearby areas.

Built For Jumbo Jets: One of the airport’s biggest highlights is its 3,800-metre Code-E runway, capable of handling some of the world’s largest passenger aircraft, including Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A330 and Airbus A340. The airport also features advanced navigation systems and modern airfield lighting for international operations.

Inspired By A Flying Fish: The terminal’s architecture draws inspiration from a flying fish, symbolising the Bay of Bengal and North Andhra’s maritime heritage. Traditional Rangoli motifs have been incorporated into the roof and ceiling design, blending modern infrastructure with Andhra Pradesh’s cultural identity.

India’s Next Major Aviation Hub? Spread across 2,703 acres, the project includes much more than an airport. The master plan features a 500-acre aviation hub, Aviation University and EduCity, commercial and residential zones and logistics and cargo facilities. Officials expect Bhogapuram to emerge as a major aviation, cargo and logistics hub on India’s east coast.

What Will The Airport Mean For Andhra Pradesh? The airport has been designed to handle six million passengers annually in its first phase, with plans to expand capacity to 40 million passengers every year in the future. It is expected to boost tourism to Araku, Lambasingi, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, while also driving growth in logistics, exports, pharmaceuticals, marine products, IT, aerospace, defence and manufacturing. The Andhra Pradesh government has invested Rs 1,583 crore in supporting infrastructure, including land acquisition, roads, water supply, power connectivity and canal works, to ensure seamless access to the airport.