Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport Begins Commercial Operations
VISAKHAPATNAM: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport has commenced commercial operations, opening a new chapter for aviation and connectivity in North Andhra Pradesh.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu joined airport officials and airline representatives for the launch, ceremonially handing over boarding passes to passengers on the inaugural IndiGo and Air India Express services.
The airport welcomed its first domestic arrivals from Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam, followed by international services from Abu Dhabi and Singapore. IndiGo’s Abu Dhabi service became the first international flight operated by an Indian carrier, while Scoot operated the first international airline arrival. The inaugural flights of Air India Express, Air India, IndiGo, Scoot and IndiaOne Air also received ceremonial water cannon salutes.
The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1 and has an initial annual capacity of six million passengers, with plans for phased expansion beyond 40 million.
With a 3,800-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, the airport is expected to strengthen regional connectivity while supporting trade, investment, employment and tourism across North Andhra Pradesh.
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