(HOLD) Is the Bhogapuram Airport Set to Open in May 2026?
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Synopsis
In a major announcement, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu stated that the Bhogapuram International Airport will officially open in May 2026, a month earlier than planned. This development includes a pioneering Aviation EduCity aimed at addressing the critical shortage of aviation professionals in India.
Key Takeaways
- Bhogapuram International Airport to open in May 2026.
- Trial runs to begin next month.
- Introduction of India's first Aviation EduCity.
- Focus on addressing the aviation skills shortage.
- Initiative aligns with national policies.
Visakhapatnam, Dec 16 (NationPress) The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, K. Ram Mohan Naidu, announced on Tuesday that the Bhogapuram International Airport is set to be inaugurated in May 2026.
He further revealed that trial operations for the new airport located near Vizianagaram will commence next month.
This announcement was made during the introduction of the Aviation, Aerospace and Defence (AAD) EduCity adjacent to Bhogapuram Airport.
Minister Naidu stated that while the airport's initial completion date was set for June 2026, plans have been expedited for an earlier inauguration.
Following a review last month, it was confirmed that 91.7 percent of the construction work on the airport has been finalized.
The AAD EduCity, being developed on a vast area of 136 acres, is touted to be India's inaugural integrated hub for Aviation, Aerospace, and Defence education.
This EduCity aims to serve as a national capability platform to tackle the pressing global and domestic demand for aviation professionals, positioning India as a top provider of aviation talent.
The initiative, presided over by Andhra Pradesh's Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh, includes a Memorandum of Understanding signed between two private enterprises, addressing the critical issue of human capital shortages in the aviation sector.
Prominent attendees of the launch included Goa Governor and Private firm Chairman P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, and Private firm Chairman G.B.S. Raju.
The Aviation EduCity is envisioned as a fully integrated education-innovation-industry ecosystem, featuring international branch campuses, globally recognized universities, and licensing programs in alignment with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and other international standards.
The facility will also provide incubation, prototyping, and startup support for aviation and aerospace technologies, along with essential residential and social infrastructure, thereby fostering a self-sufficient campus environment.
The Andhra Pradesh government asserts that this model is consistent with the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP), National Education Policy 2020, Make in India, and India's broader ambitions in aerospace and defense.
Point of View
The announcement of the Bhogapuram Airport's inauguration in May 2026 reflects the government's commitment to enhancing India's aviation infrastructure. In conjunction with the launch of the Aviation EduCity, this initiative aims to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sector, aligning with national educational and industrial policies. It is a significant step towards establishing India as a competitive player in the global aviation market.
NationPress
17/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Bhogapuram International Airport be inaugurated?
The Bhogapuram International Airport is set to be inaugurated in May 2026, a month earlier than previously planned.
What is the purpose of the AAD EduCity?
The AAD EduCity aims to address the global shortage of aviation professionals and position India as a leading supplier of aviation talent.
Who attended the launch event of the Aviation EduCity?
Prominent attendees included Goa Governor P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju, Andhra Pradesh Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyannapatrudu, and several private firm chairmen.
