In the presence of a galaxy of VVIPs including Andhra Pradesh Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Goa Governor P. Ashok Gajapati Raju, AP Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, IT, Electronics and Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, AP IT Minister Nara Lokesh and others, the Prime Minister declared the first phase of the airport built by GMR Group at a cost of Rs.5,641 crore open amid fanfare.

Modi declared wholehearted support for achieving Swarnandhra Pradesh Vision under the leadership of Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan.

He said the double engine sarkar is ensuring development at jet speed in AP and referred to Blue Economy and building of new ports at Mulapeta, Ramayapatnam and other places.

Modi said Visakhapatnam is now getting global recognition as a semiconductor, AI data center and digital infrastructureAndhra hub and landed the rapid industrialization in AP while referring to bulk drug park being set up at Nakkapali and an investment of over Rs.5 lakh crore in green energy in Rayalaseema.

He spoke about East Coast Economic Corridor and expressway between Raipur and Visakhapatnam and implementation of railway projects worth Rs.1 lakh crore act AP.

Modi, who virtually launched energy security, semiconductor and other projects in AP virtually with an investment of Rs.18,000 crore. He said he was impressed with dhinsa dance by tribal girls as part of opening new vistas for development of

Thousands of people including a large number of fishermen, tribals and farmers greeted the Prime Minister tumultuously while a dhimsa dance performed by over13,000 tribal girls from ITDA schools was the highlight at the function. MSME Minister Kondapalli Srinivas, who hails from Vizianagaram district, said they had set a Guinness Book of World Records with tribal dance performed by a record number of girl students.

Modi paid homage to Mainyam Martyr Alluri Sitarama Raju and said the opening of new international airport is a launch pad and a new runway for accelerated development of North Andhra.

Modi recalling the past, said during earlier regimes used to be named after members of one family. "But NDA Government at the Centre wanted name new airports after icons like Alluri Sitarama Raju, Sant Ravidas and Valmiki," he stated.

He said AP is not only emerging as a software hub but also as a manufacturing powerhouse with a comprehensive growth ecosystem.

The inauguration marked the culmination of one of India's most significant aviation infrastructure projects and heralds a new era of enhanced connectivity, economic growth and regional development for North Coastal Andhra. The airport has been developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), a subsidiary of GMR Airports Limited (GAL), ahead of schedule by engaging L&T as the EPC contractor.

The greenfield airport has been designed to meet the region's growing aviation needs with an initial capacity of six million passengers per annum (MPPA), scalable to more than 40 MPPA in future phases. The airport has been developed over an area of 2,203 acres.

Construction commenced in January 2024 and was completed in 28 months, well ahead of the scheduled completion target.

The project is designed as a complete aviation ecosystem, not just an airport. It includes: 500 acres of Aero Hub with MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities. 130 acres earmarked for residential development. 136 acres allocated for GMR EduCity and MANSAS EduCity. The airport architecture showcases the rich heritage of Andhra Pradesh through: traditional Muggulu patterns on the ceiling, artistically reflecting on the black granite flooring sourced from Guntur, which enhances passenger rich experience.

Design elements inspired by Thotlakonda, Etikoppaka Toys, Tholu Bommalata (Shadow Puppetry), Lepakshi Nandi, Panchathanthira themes and other cultural icons, will increase visibility and enrich the experience of Passengers.

The Check-in Hall features an impressive height of 22 metres (approximately 66 feet), providing a spacious and grand passenger experience. Approximately 20,000 tonnes of structural steel has been used in the construction.

Passenger processing facilities include 22 check-in counters, 18 Self Bag Drop (SBD) Machine, self-service kiosks for check-in and baggage tag generation for baggage up to 15 kg, lifts, escalators and staircases for convenient passenger movement.

A 120-metre-long and 6-metre-high LED display wall has been installed in the check-in area to showcase the culture, heritage, tourism, and natural beauty of Andhra Pradesh, including destinations such as Araku Valley and renowned temples.

The airport has received a Platinum Rating for sustainable design, recognising its efficient utilisation of natural daylight, solar energy, reuse of water resources and other environmentally friendly features. Kalankari-inspired ACP panels have been used in the interiors, combining traditional art with modern architecture. These panels have an expected service life of approximately 70 years.

The airport infrastructure has been designed to withstand heavy rainfall up to 275 mm, wind speeds up to 275 km/h, ensuring resilience during severe cyclones and every element of the airport reflects the culture, traditions, and artistic heritage of Andhra Pradesh, creating a unique identity while enhancing the overall passenger experience.