Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport Starts Commercial Flights in 2026

A transformative chapter for aviation in India has officially begun as the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Visakhapatnam opened its doors for commercial operations. This milestone marks a significant leap in air connectivity for North Andhra Pradesh, linking the region with major domestic hubs and key international gateways across the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The launch of services signifies the successful transition of scheduled passenger operations from the old civil enclave to this state-of-the-art facility, which continues to operate under the familiar VTZ airport code.

A Festive Start to Operations

The commencement of activities was celebrated with great enthusiasm, drawing senior dignitaries and aviation stakeholders. The first day of commercial service was packed with action, featuring 52 planned air traffic movements. Passengers on the inaugural flights from IndiGo and Air India Express were greeted with ceremonial boarding passes and commemorative mementoes, setting a welcoming tone for the airport’s future travelers. The very first arrival of the day was an IndiGo flight from Hyderabad, which was quickly followed by a return service to the same city.

International connectivity also took center stage on opening day. IndiGo marked a historic moment as the first Indian carrier to operate an international service from the new airport, with a flight arriving from Abu Dhabi. Shortly after, Scoot became the first international airline to touch down at the facility, arriving from Singapore. Each of the major inaugural arrivals, including flights from Air India and IndiaOne Air, was honored with the traditional water cannon salute, a fitting tribute to this major infrastructure achievement.

World-Class Infrastructure and Future Growth

Developed and managed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), the facility is designed to provide a seamless and high-quality travel experience. In its initial phase, the airport has the capacity to handle approximately six million passengers annually. However, the master plan is much more ambitious, envisioning phased expansions that will eventually allow the airport to accommodate more than 40 million passengers every year.

• State-of-the-art terminal facilities focused on passenger comfort and efficiency.
• A 3,800-metre Code 4E runway designed for wide-body aircraft.
• Enhanced cargo handling capabilities to support regional trade.
• Strategically located to serve as a gateway for tourism and investment in Andhra Pradesh.

A Catalyst for Regional Prosperity

Beyond just being a transit hub, the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is poised to be a powerful engine for the local economy. By strengthening both regional and global links, the airport is expected to attract significant investment, boost the local tourism industry, and create numerous employment opportunities. The ability to handle wide-body aircraft opens up the possibility for non-stop long-haul flights in the future, further cementing Visakhapatnam’s position on the global aviation map.

Following its formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, 2026, the airport has quickly demonstrated its operational readiness. The GVIAL leadership emphasized that this achievement is the result of years of meticulous planning and engineering excellence. As the airport settles into its daily routine, the focus remains on expanding the route network and ensuring that every traveler enjoys a world-class experience while passing through this modern gateway to North Andhra Pradesh.