The Bhogapuram international airport is expected to be completed by June 2026, and will accommodate large wide-bodied aircraft.

This was informed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport (GMRVIAL) CEO Manomay Rai who also highlighted the broader impact of the aviation industry on the economy, including sectors like fuel, logistics, travel, and trade. He was in Visakhapatnam recently to participate in the ‘Speaker Session on Emerging Trends & Opportunities’ organised by Vizagapatam Chamber of Commerce & Industry (VCCI). He emphasised the importance of sustainability and digitalisation for the future of airports, pointing out measures like rainwater harvesting, solar power, waste management, and EV charging stations to reduce carbon footprints. 

Advancements like self-bag drops, AI-based chatbots, and the use of drones and hydrogen-powered aircraft in shaping air travel was also discussed, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) was noted as a key emerging trend.

At the event, Hindustan Shipyard (HSL) CMD Commodore Hemant Khatri outlined plans for Visakhapatnam to become a major shipbuilding hub by 2047, with over Rs 20,000 crore in orders and new opportunities for MSMEs in green vessel construction.