First validation flight lands at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram
An Air India A320 from New Delhi carrying Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu made the first validation landing at the Alluri Sitarama Raju (Bhogapuram) International Airport in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, on 4 January 2026.
Summary
Alluri Sitarama Raju (Bhogapuram) Greenfield International Airport in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, received its first validation flight on 4 January 2026. An Air India Airbus A320 (AI 3198) from New Delhi, carrying Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu and officials, landed as part of trial operations and was given a water-cannon salute. Ram Mohan Naidu said the airport would boost tourism, trade and cargo for the Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam region, and Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu said commercial operations would begin from June.
Key facts
- Date
- 4 January 2026
- Airport
- Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram
- District
- Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh
- Flight
- Air India Airbus A320 (AI 3198) from New Delhi
- On board
- Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu
- Next
- Commercial operations planned from June 2026
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, which received its first validation flight in January 2026, is in which district?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Vizianagaram
New Indian Express: the Alluri Sitarama Raju (Bhogapuram) Greenfield International Airport is in Vizianagaram district; Deccan Chronicle also reports the validation landing.
Which Union Minister was aboard the first validation flight that landed at Bhogapuram airport, Andhra Pradesh, on 4 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — K. Ram Mohan Naidu
Deccan Chronicle and New Indian Express: Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu was on the flight and addressed the gathering after landing.