A New, Larger Gateway
Starting August 17, 2026, all commercial passenger flights will operate from the new Bhogapuram airport. The existing airport in Visakhapatnam, a civil enclave within the INS Dega naval airbase, will cease handling scheduled commercial services for the next
30 years. This monumental shift is driven by the need for a larger, more modern facility. The Bhogapuram airport, built by GMR Group, boasts a 3.8-kilometer runway capable of handling large, wide-body aircraft, enabling direct long-haul international flights for the first time. Its initial capacity is 6 million passengers annually, a significant jump from the old airport's threshold, with plans for future expansion. This move also allows for 24/7 flight operations, free from the restrictions imposed by naval training schedules at the old airport.
The Distance Dilemma
The primary change for passengers is the commute. The new airport is located in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, approximately 45 to 55 kilometres from Visakhapatnam's city centre. This journey can take anywhere from 75 minutes to two hours, depending on your starting point and traffic. This added travel time and distance presents a new logistical challenge for the lakhs of passengers who previously used the conveniently located city airport. Recognizing this, authorities have been planning integrated transport solutions to bridge the gap between the city and its new aviation hub.
Your Ground Transport Options
To solve the last-mile connectivity puzzle, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is launching a dedicated fleet of modern, air-conditioned electric buses. Starting from August 1, a fleet of 20 e-buses will ply on two primary routes, connecting key residential and commercial areas like Gajuwaka, NAD Junction, Maddilapalem, and the Beach Road IT corridor directly to the airport. The proposed fare for these buses is expected to be around ₹300 from the core city, offering an affordable and eco-friendly option. For those seeking more privacy or travelling in groups, app-based cab services and traditional taxis are also available. A one-way cab ride from the city to Bhogapuram is estimated to cost between ₹800 and ₹1,500, though prices can fluctuate based on demand and time of day. To further improve the experience, authorities are also planning to set up air-conditioned passenger lounges at key boarding points across the city.
Booking Your Onward Journey
While the headline suggests ground transport is part of the flight booking, the current system appears to be a coordinated but separate service. Passengers will need to book their bus or cab transport independently. However, the integration lies in the planning. Travel portals like MakeMyTrip and Goibibo, alongside cab aggregators like Uber, already list services to and from the new airport location, allowing passengers to pre-book their ground leg. APSRTC will likely offer its own online booking portal or app for the e-bus service. The key for travellers is to now consider the ground commute as an essential step in their overall journey planning, factoring in the cost and time right after booking their flight ticket. This is a significant shift from the past, where a quick local cab or auto ride was sufficient.
