Bhogapuram (Andhra Pradesh), January 04, 2026: Taking a leap towards operational readiness, GMR Aero- led GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a wholly owned subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited (GAL), today successfully conducted the validation flight at the upcoming Bhogapuram Airport.

It 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 Hon’ble Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri 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.

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.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, said, “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.”

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. 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.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities giving shape to best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As the largest private airport operator in Asia and the second-largest globally, GAL served over 120 million passengers in FY25 with a steadfast commitment to excellence in airport management as reflected in its consistent rankings for services by ACI and Skytrax. With a robust presence in India and Southeast Asia, the company operates key gateways such as Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, and Medan airports, while extending its technical services to Mactan Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. GAL is also developing transformative projects like the greenfield airports in Bhogapuram (Visakhapatnam), India, and Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2024, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 103.4 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris- Orly, and nearly 363.7 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the Group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2024, group revenue stood at €6,158 million and net income at €342 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit https://www.gmrgroup.in

For further details, please contact:

Subhendu Ray
Corporate Communications
Email: subhendu.ray@gmrgroup.in

Sarvottamjee M Jaipuriar
Corporate Communications
Email: sarvottamjee.jaipuriar@gmrgroup.in