From Our Correspondent
Visakhapatnam: The Union government has notified the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram as an authorised immigration checkpost, paving the way for international flight operations from the upcoming greenfield airport in north coastal Andhra Pradesh.
The notification, issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) under Section 4(1) of the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025, amends the list of authorised immigration checkposts notified on September 1, 2025. Bhogapuram International Airport has been included as Serial No. 39 under Category I (Airports) in the national registry.
The designation is a mandatory statutory requirement for airports handling international passenger traffic. It authorises immigration officials to process international arrivals and departures, including passport verification, visa clearance and other security procedures prescribed under Indian immigration laws.
Another Milestone Before Commercial Launch
The latest notification comes days after the Ministry of Civil Aviation granted an aerodrome licence to the Bhogapuram airport, confirming its readiness for commercial flight operations.
On July 10, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu formally handed over the licence to representatives of GMR Airports in New Delhi, marking another major milestone in the airport’s commissioning process.
With both the aerodrome licence and immigration clearance now in place, the airport has crossed two of the most significant regulatory hurdles ahead of the commencement of commercial services.
Major Aviation Hub for North Andhra
Developed by GMR Airports, the greenfield airport is expected to emerge as the primary aviation gateway for North Coastal Andhra Pradesh, significantly improving domestic and international connectivity.
The airport has been designed to handle nearly 40 million passengers annually in phases. Its 78,000-square-metre terminal features an architectural design inspired by a flying fish, while the interiors showcase the rich cultural heritage of the North Andhra region.