The Big Move: Why is This Happening?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially announced that starting from 12:01 a.m. on August 17, 2026, all scheduled commercial flights will shift from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) to the new airport at Bhogapuram. The current airport,
a civil enclave within a naval airbase, has limitations for expansion. The new greenfield airport, built by GMR Group, is designed to handle significant future growth, starting with a capacity for six million passengers annually and a master plan for expansion up to 40 million. The existing airport code, VTZ, will also be transferred to Bhogapuram on the same date. For the next 30 years, scheduled commercial services will cease at INS Dega, which will continue to serve military, police, and special government flights.
Your New Gateway: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
The new airport, formally named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, is located in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district. This is a crucial detail for your planning: the new airport is situated approximately 45 kilometres from Visakhapatnam city and about 25 kilometres from Vizianagaram. This is a significant distance compared to the current airport's location within the city. The new facility, constructed at a cost of around ₹4,727 crore, boasts modern infrastructure, including a runway capable of handling large wide-body aircraft, positioning it as a major aviation hub for North Andhra. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the airport on August 1, 2026, ahead of the operational shift.
Getting There: Your New Commute and Pick-Up Strategy
The most significant change for passengers will be the commute. The increased distance means you must budget for more travel time to and from the airport. Access is primarily via National Highway-16. To ease the transition, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is launching dedicated electric bus services from August 1. These buses will run on two primary routes connecting key city areas like Gajuwaka, NAD Junction, Maddilapalem, and the Beach Road IT corridor directly to the airport. A seat on an e-bus is expected to cost around ₹300. For those opting for private transport, app-based services like Uber will be available, with estimated fares for a one-way trip from the city ranging between ₹800 and ₹1,500, depending on the specific location and demand.
What About Costs? New Fees to Expect
Flying from Bhogapuram will come with a new cost structure. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has approved a User Development Fee (UDF) for all passengers using the new airport. For domestic travel, departing passengers will be charged a UDF of ₹835, while arriving passengers will pay ₹355. For international travellers, the fee is ₹1,255 for departures and ₹545 for arrivals. These fees, which help fund airport development and maintenance, will be included in your ticket price once commercial operations begin on August 17. This is a notable increase from the current Vizag airport, which only charges a ₹325 UDF for outbound passengers and none for arrivals.
Action Plan for Travellers
If you have a flight booked to or from Visakhapatnam on or after August 17, your plans are affected. First, double-check your flight details with your airline, as they will be updating schedules to reflect the new airport location (VTZ). Inform anyone who is picking you up or dropping you off about the new location at Bhogapuram. Crucially, allow significantly more travel time than you are used to for reaching the airport. A drive from the city could take 75 to 90 minutes or more, depending on traffic. Explore the new transport options, like the APSRTC e-buses, which offer an affordable alternative to cabs. Being prepared for this logistical shift will ensure a smooth start to your journey from North Andhra's new aviation gateway.
