/press-releases

Gateway of the East Now Open to Fly

Visakhapatnam/Vizianagaram, August 17, 2026: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, developed and operated by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), today commenced commercial operations, ushering in a new era of connectivity, economic opportunity, and regional growth for North Andhra Pradesh. This marks a significant milestone in Andhra Pradesh's aviation journey, strengthening the state's position as the “Gateway of the East” for domestic and international travel.

The commencement of operations was marked by a series of historic firsts, with domestic and international flights connecting Visakhapatnam to key destinations across India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. These inaugural services signified the airport's readiness to serve as a strategic aviation gateway, linking North Andhra Pradesh with the world.The Hon’ble Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu along with senior dignitaries, and stakeholders from the airport community, was present to mark this historic milestone. As part of the celebrations, he ceremonially handed over boarding passes to passengers on the inaugural IndiGo and Air India Express flights and presented commemorative mementoes, marking the commencement of airport operations.

Milestone Flights on Day One

First Flight of the day

  1. Indigo Flight 6E 6408: Hyderabad (HYD) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
  2. Indigo Flight 6E 9051: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Hyderabad (HYD) – Departure

First Indian Carrier International Flight

  1. IndiGo Flight 6E 1443: Abu Dhabi (AUH) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
  2. IndiGo Flight 6E 1444: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Abu Dhabi (AUH) – Departure

First International Carrier Flight

  1. Scoot Flight TR 784: Singapore (SIN) → Visakhapatnam (VTZ) – Arrival
  2. Scoot Flight TR 785: Visakhapatnam (VTZ) → Singapore (SIN) – Departure

All the first arrivals of the airlines for the day: Air India Express, Air India, Indigo, Scoot, India One received a ceremonial water cannon salute, celebrating the start of a new chapter in regional aviation. With a planned 52 air traffic movements (ATMs) on Day One, the airport buzzed with activity, marking a vibrant start to its operational journey.

Mr. Kanwarbir Singh Kalra, Chief Executive Officer, GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), said, "The commencement of commercial operations at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a transformational moment for North Andhra Pradesh and the beginning of a new chapter in the region's connectivity journey. This achievement reflects years of meticulous planning, engineering excellence, regulatory compliance, and operational preparedness by our teams and partners.

We are delighted to welcome our first passengers and airline partners as the airport begins serving the region with a safe, seamless, and world-class travel experience. We will endeavour to expand connectivity from this airport. This airport will serve as a powerful catalyst for trade, tourism, investment, and employment, while strengthening regional and global connectivity and supporting the long-term economic growth of North Andhra Pradesh." he further added.

The airport was inaugurated by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, on August 1, 2026.

Designed with an initial capacity of 6 million passengers annually, the airport has been master planned for phased expansion to handle over 40 million passengers per annum. Its 3,800-metre Code 4E runway, capable of handling wide-body aircraft, positions the air.

About GMR Airports Limited (Formerly GMR Airports Infrastructure Limited)

GMR Airports Limited (GAL) is a leading global airport platform company with over two decades of experience in designing, constructing, and operating world-class sustainable airports. Under the brand name “GMR AERO”, it offers pioneering aviation solutions in retail, aero services, and real estate. Groupe ADP joined the journey in 2020 as a strategic partner and is now a co-promoter in GAL.

As a platform business, GAL also provides a range of aero services including Duty Free, Retail, F&B, Cargo, Car Parking, O&M, and PMC services. Through its innovative Aerotropolis concept, it develops cutting-edge airport cities, shaping best-in-class real estate developments in South Asia. GAL operates India's largest third-party Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility through its subsidiary, GMR Air Cargo and Aerospace Engineering Limited ensuring operational excellence across the Asia Pacific region.

GMR Innovex, a GMR Group entity, is developing and introducing a range of digital solutions to enhance the passenger journey and airport experience. Through GMR Aero Academy and GMR School of Aviation, the company is creating the talent pool necessary to drive the growth of the aviation sector in India (the third largest in the world).

As one of the largest private airport operators in the world, GMR Airports Limited (GAL) served over 121 million passengers in FY26. Its commitment to operational excellence and service quality has been consistently recognized by ACI and Skytrax. With seven operational airport assets across India and overseas, GAL manages key aviation gateways including Delhi, Hyderabad, Goa, Nagpur, Bidar, and Visakhapatnam (Vizag) Airport in India, as well as Medan Airport in Indonesia. It is also extending technical services to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport in the Philippines. Further strengthening its global footprint, GAL is developing a transformative greenfield airport project in Crete, Greece.

GMR Group, the promoter of GAL has a significant presence in Energy, Transportation, Urban Infrastructure, and Sports. Through its CSR arm, GMR Varalakshmi Foundation, GMR supports local communities, reflecting its commitment to improving quality of life by enhancing skills, providing education, and developing healthcare infrastructure and services.

Groupe ADP develops and manages airports, including Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Paris-Orly, and Paris-Le Bourget. In 2025, the group handled through its brand Paris Aéroport 107 million passengers at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly, and nearly 379 million passengers in airports in France and abroad. Boasting an exceptional geographic location and a major catchment area, the Group is pursuing its strategy of adapting and modernizing its terminal facilities and upgrading the quality of services; the group also intends to develop its retail and real estate businesses. In 2025, group revenue stood at €6,704 million and net income at €382 million.

For further information about GMR Group, visit http://www.gmrgroup.com

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For further details, please contact:

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  • Sangeetha CR
  • Aditi Basak
  • Akshay Pawar
  • Head - Corporate Communications (GHIAL) & Subsidiaries | Nagpur | Vizag
  • Lead – PR & Communications (GHIAL)
  • AM – PR& Communications (GHIAL)

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