Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Andhra Airport Test Flight Sparks Political Credit War
A test flight at a new airport near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh was successful.
This airport is very close to being ready for passengers.
Both the current and previous state governments are arguing about who should get credit for making this airport happen.
The current government says they planned it well and got support from the national government.
The previous government says they did important work to speed up the project.
The airport is being built by a company and will be able to handle many passengers once it opens.
Everyone agrees it's a big step for the region's growth.
Successful test flight at Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport near Visakhapatnam.
TDP credits long-term planning and NDA government support for the project's progress.
YSRCP claims crucial role in speeding up land acquisition and approvals during their tenure.
Airport project is over 90% complete, with mid-2026 opening expected.
Test flight validated critical infrastructure and operational readiness for DGCA approval.
- Who
- Andhra Pradesh government, TDP, YSRCP, GMR Group, DGCA, Air India
- What
- Test flight at Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport
- When
- January 4, 2026
- Where
- Near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Why
- To test critical infrastructure and operational readiness for DGCA approval
NDA Government
YSRCP
Project Initiation
NDA Government
Claims projects like Bhogapuram Airport and Google Data Centre were grounded during their rule.
YSRCP
Asserts that they initiated these projects and laid foundation stones during their tenure.
Project Progress
NDA Government
Attributes the momentum of these projects to the leadership of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and IT Minister Nara Lokesh.
YSRCP
Argues that crucial groundwork, including land acquisition and tender approvals, was completed during their tenure.
Google Data Centre
NDA Government
Highlights the establishment of the Google Data Centre under their leadership.
YSRCP
Initially campaigned against the data centre due to concerns over resource consumption but later claimed credit for it.
- Airport Name
- Bhogapuram Greenfield International Airport
- Location
- Near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh
- Project Model
- PPP (Design Build Finance Operate and Transfer)
- Current Completion
- Over 90%
- Expected Opening
- Mid-2026
- Passenger Capacity
- 6 million per annum (expandable)
- Operating Company
- GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL)
- Validation Flight Operator
- Air India