The Big Switch: What and When
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially announced that from 12:01 a.m. on August 17, 2026, all scheduled commercial flight operations will move from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport to the newly constructed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram.
This means that any domestic or international flight you book to or from the region after this date will operate out of the new airport. To ensure a smooth transition, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport code 'VTZ', currently used for Visakhapatnam, will be transferred to Bhogapuram on the same day. The new airport is scheduled for a formal inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, 2026, a couple of weeks before commercial services begin.
Why the Move Was Necessary
For decades, Visakhapatnam’s air travel has been handled by a civil enclave within INS Dega, a naval air station. This arrangement placed significant constraints on civilian flight operations, as the Indian Navy's own requirements for military activities were growing. The existing airport had limited slots for commercial flights and faced challenges with expansion due to its location within a defense base. The development of a greenfield airport was first proposed in the late 1990s to address these limitations and build an aviation hub that could cater to the future economic growth of the North Andhra region. The new Bhogapuram airport is the culmination of this long-term vision, designed to decongest the old facility and provide unrestricted, 24/7 operations.
A Look at the New Gateway
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, developed by the GMR Group, is a modern marvel built at a cost of approximately ₹4,727 crore. In its first phase, it is designed to handle six million passengers annually, with a master plan for expansion to accommodate up to 40 million passengers in the future. The airport features a 3,800-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, enabling long-haul international flights. Passengers can expect a seamless experience with modern technologies such as self-service baggage drops and contact boarding bridges. Beyond passenger travel, the airport includes a dedicated cargo terminal to boost exports and logistics, positioning the region as a key economic hub on India's east coast.
The Future of Visakhapatnam Airport
With scheduled commercial flights moving to Bhogapuram, the civil enclave at INS Dega will cease these operations for a period of 30 years. However, the airbase itself is not shutting down. It will continue to serve as a crucial base for the Indian Air Force and other armed forces. The closure order has specific exemptions, allowing for flights during national emergencies, police operations, and special government or VIP aircraft. Furthermore, non-scheduled commercial flights, such as private charters, may be permitted to continue operating from INS Dega, ensuring it remains a functional, albeit more restricted, aviation facility.
Impact on Travellers and Connectivity
The most significant change for travellers will be the new location. The Bhogapuram airport is situated approximately 45-55 kilometres from Visakhapatnam city, which translates to a longer commute. To address this, authorities have been widening several arterial roads connecting the city to the new airport, aiming to reduce travel time to around 45-60 minutes. Additionally, the state's Road Transport Corporation is introducing a fleet of electric buses to provide direct connectivity from key points in Visakhapatnam, like Gajuwaka, to Bhogapuram. While the journey to the airport will be longer, the trade-off is a larger, more efficient facility designed for future growth and better overall connectivity.
