Sun Jan 04 06:10:35 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the text:

Headline: Bhogapuram International Airport Nears Completion After Successful Trial Flight

Vizianagaram, India – January 4, 2026 – A major milestone was achieved today in the development of the Bhogapuram International Airport near Visakhapatnam as the first Air India flight successfully landed as part of its commercial validation. The event marks a significant step toward the airport’s expected full-fledged operations on June 30, 2026.

The inaugural flight, carrying Union Minister K. Rammohan Naidu and other dignitaries, was greeted with a water cannon salute upon landing at the newly constructed airport. Local officials and executives from the GMR Group, the airport’s developer, were present to celebrate the occasion.

Minister Naidu hailed the event as “historic” and expressed optimism that the airport would stimulate economic growth in the North Andhra region. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving road access to the airport.

GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) is constructing the greenfield airport on 2,200 acres at an estimated cost of ₹4,725 crores. According to GMR Group Deputy Managing Director I. Prabhakara Rao, 96% of the work is now complete. The airport boasts a 3.8 km long runway and can accommodate up to 200 planes, with parking for 18 overnight. The airport will also feature 18 immigration counters for smooth passenger processing and a cargo terminal with the capacity to handle 20,000 tonnes of cargo annually, to support export of bulk drugs, agriculture, marine and other products.

The airport is expected to serve passengers from Visakhapatnam, North Andhra, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and other neighboring areas.

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