Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport has officially commenced commercial operations, marking a significant milestone for air connectivity in Visakhapatnam and North Andhra Pradesh. Developed and operated by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), the new airport began handling domestic and international flights on 17 August 2026.
The first day witnessed services connecting Visakhapatnam with key destinations across India, the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The inaugural operations included IndiGo services to and from Hyderabad, while IndiGo also operated the airport’s first international service connecting Visakhapatnam with Abu Dhabi. Singapore-based Scoot became the first international carrier to operate a flight to the new airport, connecting the city with Singapore.
Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu joined senior officials, airline representatives and airport stakeholders for the commencement ceremony. Passengers travelling on the inaugural IndiGo and Air India Express flights were presented with commemorative mementoes. The first arrivals operated by Air India Express, Air India, IndiGo, Scoot and IndiaOne Air also received ceremonial water cannon salutes.
The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 August 2026. It has an initial annual passenger-handling capacity of six million, with a long-term master plan allowing expansion to more than 40 million passengers annually. Its 3,800-metre Code 4E runway is designed to accommodate wide-body aircraft and support future domestic, international and air cargo operations.
With scheduled passenger operations shifting from the former Visakhapatnam Civil Enclave, the new airport retains the VTZ airport code. Its launch is expected to strengthen regional connectivity while creating opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and employment across North Andhra Pradesh. The airport’s first day was planned for 52 air traffic movements, signalling the beginning of a new phase in the region’s aviation growth.
