Aviation Minister Lands Test Flight at Bhogapuram Airport; Commercial Ops by 2026

• Union Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu landed a test flight at Bhogapuram airport, Andhra Pradesh, validating its readiness for operations.
• The airport, envisioned by N. Chandrababu Naidu in 2014, saw expedited construction with 96% completion after the NDA government returned to power in 2024.
• Bhogapuram is set to become an MRO hub for India, with plans for international universities to train youth, and commercial operations expected by June 2026.
• Developed by GMR Group, the airport will replace Visakhapatnam airport, offering day-and-night operations, international flights, and an initial capacity of 6 million passengers.
• The project highlights India's expanding aviation infrastructure and aims to boost regional growth, tourism, and trade in Andhra Pradesh.

Why It Matters: Bhogapuram airport's test flight marks a major step towards its 2026 commercial launch, boosting regional growth.