Amaravati, Jan 4 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, described the successful validation flight at the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport on Sunday as a significant milestone in the state's aviation sector.

"Kudos to the citizens of Andhra Pradesh, particularly those in Uttarandhra, on the successful validation flight of the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport. This day signifies a new milestone for aviation within the state, enhancing regional connectivity and providing a substantial boost to Uttarandhra as the area is set to soar," the Chief Minister expressed on 'X'.

CM Naidu extended his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "vision, leadership, and commitment to the advancement of Andhra Pradesh."

"The airport, conceived and initiated during the NDA government's term from 2014 to 2019, will be operational for commercial flights starting in June," CM Chandrababu Naidu remarked.

The Minister for Human Resources Development and Information Technology noted that "today is a historic day" for Andhra Pradesh.

"The successful validation flight at Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport signifies a crucial step in enhancing connectivity and unlocking the growth potential of Uttarandhra. Thanks to Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji for his visionary leadership. The airport, which was conceived and launched during the NDA government (2014–19), is scheduled to commence commercial operations in June 2026, propelling Uttarandhra to new heights," Lokesh posted.

The inaugural commercial validation flight successfully landed at Bhogapuram Airport located in the Vizianagaram district on Sunday.

An Air India flight arriving from New Delhi touched down at Bhogapuram Airport, approximately 50 km from Visakhapatnam.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu and Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appala Naidu, alongside senior officials, were aboard the test flight.

The test flight touched down on the runway, which measures 3.8 km in length, making it the longest in India and constructed using cutting-edge technology.

"Thrilled to announce this historic first landing at Bhogapuram. A smooth touchdown marks the initial step towards a transformative future for the region," Ram Mohan Naidu shared on 'X', including a video of the landing.

The airport, being built by GMR Group under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model on a design, build, finance, operate, and transfer basis, is anticipated to be inaugurated in June 2026.

GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Group, is developing the airport over 2,200 acres at an estimated cost of ₹4,592 crore.

As per GVIAL, 96% of the construction work has been completed.

Ram Mohan Naidu mentioned that Prime Minister Modi is expected to inaugurate the airport in the next 4-5 months.