Fri Jan 02 21:56:43 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:

Summary:

The Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport in Andhra Pradesh, India, is nearing completion and is set to undergo its first commercial validation flight test on January 4, 2026. Built by GMR Group under a PPP model, the airport is expected to be operational by June 30, 2026. It aims to handle 6 million passengers annually initially and is hoped to spur economic growth in the North Andhra region. The project also includes a planned “Educity” for aviation, aerospace, and defense education. A concern remains the distance from Visakhapatnam, with calls for improved road infrastructure to ease travel for passengers.

News Article:

Bhogapuram Airport Set for Takeoff: First Commercial Flight Test Imminent

VIZIANAGARAM, January 3, 2026 – Andhra Pradesh’s aviation sector is on the cusp of a new era as the Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport prepares for its first commercial validation flight test on January 4th. The long-awaited project, initiated during the NDA’s tenure between 2014 and 2019, is slated to be fully operational by June 30th, 2026.

Constructed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a subsidiary of the GMR Group, on a 2,200-acre site with an investment of ₹4,592 crore, the airport is being developed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. The airport will feature a 3.8km runway and is expected to handle 6 million passengers per year initially.

Union Minister for Civil Aviation K. Rammohan Naidu expressed optimism that the airport will become a major catalyst for growth in the North Andhra region, citing its strategic location. Plans are also underway for an aviation, aerospace, and defense educational city (Educity) near the airport. The GMR Group and MANSAS Trust plan to construct the Educity on 120 acres of land near Annavaram village.

While the project is widely anticipated to boost the region’s economy, concerns have been raised about the 50km distance between the airport and Visakhapatnam city. The Air Travellers Association has urged the government to address this by constructing flyovers and radial roads to ensure convenient access for passengers. Despite this concern, the airport’s upcoming validation flight marks a significant step forward for Andhra Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure and its potential to drive regional development.

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