Key Facts
Visakhapatnam North MLA and BJP floor leader P. Vishnu Kumar Raju on Sunday (June 14, 2026) reiterated that the Visakhapatnam airport should continue to function as a domestic airport even after the Bhogapuram airport becomes operational. Addressing a press conference along with BJP district president M.M.N. Parasurama Raju at the party office in the city, Mr. Raju said lakhs of passengers currently use the Visakhapatnam airport, and the additional travel time to reach Bhogapuram would inconvenience people.
Details of the Demand
Mr. Raju emphasized that airport services should continue as usual until fuel prices come down, adding that retaining both airports would serve the interests of north Andhra residents and improve regional connectivity. He argued that shutting down Visakhapatnam airport would force passengers to travel an extra distance to Bhogapuram, causing hardship.
Political Context
Mr. Raju also highlighted the achievements of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre, which has completed 4,400 days in office. He credited the government with stable governance, development initiatives, and welfare schemes such as housing and household toilets for the poor, which have benefited millions across the country. He also mentioned the modernization of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat scheme and the securing of the Visakhapatnam Railway Zone.
Dismissing claims that the railway zone had lost viability due to the exclusion of certain revenue-generating stations, Mr. Raju said the State coalition government would provide the land required for the permanent zonal headquarters, besides allocating large funds to develop Visakhapatnam into a mega city.
Upcoming BJP Event
The BJP will hold a public meeting in Visakhapatnam on June 19, 2026. Mr. Raju noted that people had voted out the previous government in 2024, entrusting the coalition government with welfare and development. State spokesperson Suhasini Anand and district media convener T. Koteswara Rao were present at the press conference.
What Readers Should Know
- The demand to keep Visakhapatnam airport operational is aimed at avoiding inconvenience to passengers and maintaining regional connectivity.
- The BJP is pushing for both airports to function, with Visakhapatnam handling domestic flights and Bhogapuram managing international traffic.
- The party has scheduled a public meeting on June 19 to garner support for its demands.
FAQ
Will Visakhapatnam airport close after Bhogapuram airport opens?
BJP MLA P. Vishnu Kumar Raju has demanded that Visakhapatnam airport continue as a domestic airport even after Bhogapuram becomes operational, citing passenger convenience and regional connectivity.
What is the BJP's stance on the Visakhapatnam airport issue?
The BJP wants both airports to function, with Visakhapatnam serving domestic flights and Bhogapuram handling international traffic, to avoid inconvenience to passengers.
When is the BJP public meeting in Visakhapatnam?
The BJP has scheduled a public meeting in Visakhapatnam on June 19, 2026.