Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, developed and operated by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), today commenced commercial operations, marking a major milestone in the aviation and economic development of North Andhra Pradesh.
The commencement of operations is set to transform Visakhapatnam into a stronger aviation gateway, enhancing domestic and international connectivity while creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, investment and regional economic growth. The airport further strengthens Andhra Pradesh’s position as the “Gateway of the East”, connecting the region with key destinations across India and overseas.
The historic inauguration was marked by a series of firsts, with domestic and international flight services connecting Visakhapatnam to important destinations across India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The commencement of these services demonstrates the airport’s readiness to serve as a strategic gateway for North Andhra Pradesh and its growing international business and tourism ecosystem.
The Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, along with senior dignitaries and representatives from the airport community and aviation sector, was present to mark the historic occasion.
As part of the celebrations, the Minister ceremonially handed over boarding passes to passengers travelling on the inaugural IndiGo and Air India Express flights and presented commemorative mementoes to mark the beginning of commercial operations.
The new airport is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening Visakhapatnam’s connectivity with global markets and supporting the region’s growing industrial, commercial and tourism potential. With enhanced air connectivity, the airport is poised to contribute significantly to the development of North Andhra Pradesh and reinforce Visakhapatnam’s role as a key economic and logistics hub on India’s eastern coast.
The commencement of commercial operations at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks not merely the opening of a new aviation facility, but the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s journey towards greater connectivity, competitiveness and global integration.