Sun Jan 04 02:20:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article based on that summary:
Summary:
The GMR Group is set to inaugurate the new Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, on June 26th. A trial run is scheduled for today (Sunday) with a commercial Air India flight arriving from Delhi, carrying Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and other officials. The airport, designed to withstand severe weather conditions, boasts a capacity of handling 200 flights per day and 20,000 tonnes of cargo annually. It will serve passengers from Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. The airport features modern amenities, cultural decorations showcasing Telugu heritage, and aims to boost exports from the region. The project is 96% complete and aims to serve 6 million passengers in its first year of operation.
News Article:
Bhogapuram International Airport Set to Open June 26, Trial Run Today
Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh – The much-anticipated Bhogapuram International Airport is on track for its grand opening on June 26th, according to GMR Group Deputy Managing Director I. Prabhakara Rao. A trial run is scheduled for today, Sunday, with an Air India flight arriving from Delhi carrying Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu, Vizianagaram MP Kalisetti Appalanaidu, and other officials. The flight is expected to land at 10:15 AM.
Located in the Vizianagaram district, the new “Greenfield” airport, designed in the shape of a fish, is poised to become a major economic hub for South India, particularly the Visakhapatnam region.
Mr. Rao stated that the project is 96% complete and highlighted the airport’s robust design, capable of withstanding cyclone-force winds up to 275 km/h and heavy rainfall. The initial phase of the project represents an investment of ₹4,725 crores. Official flight operations are expected to commence in the first week of July.
The airport boasts a daily capacity of 200 flights and an annual cargo handling capacity of 20,000 tonnes. It features parking for 18 aircraft overnight. Authorities anticipate that 33% of passengers will be from Visakhapatnam, with the remaining 67% from other parts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh. Fourteen immigration counters will be available.
To improve connectivity, the Andhra Pradesh government is developing three major roads to facilitate access from Visakhapatnam. A large cargo terminal is being constructed to facilitate direct exports of pharmaceuticals, marine products, and textiles from the region. The airport terminal will feature displays of Telugu culture, including a statue of freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju and Etikoppaka toys.
“This airport has been developed with international standards as a smart airport,” said Mr. Rao. “We are thankful to the central minister Rammohan Naidu’s supervision on making this happen faster.”
The airport boasts modern amenities, including 21 aero bridges and a target of serving 6 million passengers in its first year. Self-baggage drop, boarding, self-check-in kiosks, and smart trolleys will be available.
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