A New Gateway for Andhra Pradesh
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially announced that all commercial flight services will transition from the current Visakhapatnam Airport, a civil enclave at the naval airbase INS Dega, to the newly constructed Alluri Sitarama Raju International
Airport. This new greenfield airport is located at Bhogapuram in the neighbouring Vizianagaram district. The move is not temporary; the notification specifies that scheduled commercial operations at the Visakhapatnam civil enclave will be closed for 30 years. This decision is part of a long-term strategy that was put in place when site clearance for the Bhogapuram project was first granted back in January 2016.
The Dawn of Bhogapuram Airport
The brand-new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is set to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1. Developed under a Public-Private Partnership model by GMR, the airport has been built at a cost of nearly ₹4,727 crore. Officials have highlighted that it is one of India's fastest-completed greenfield international airports, finished in just 31 months, well ahead of schedule. With its DGCA aerodrome license and all necessary clearances in place, the airport is ready to handle both high passenger volumes and significant cargo traffic, aiming to become a major economic growth engine for the region.
What This Means for Travelers
For passengers, the most immediate change is the location. Starting August 17, any flight to or from the Visakhapatnam region will operate out of Bhogapuram. In a significant logistical shift, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code 'VTZ', which has long identified Visakhapatnam Airport, will be officially transferred to the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport on the same date. This means booking systems and flight information worldwide will point to Bhogapuram as the primary airport for the area. Travelers with flights booked on or after this date should confirm their departure and arrival terminals with their respective airlines.
The Future of the Old Airport
While scheduled commercial flights are moving, the existing airport at INS Dega will not shut down completely. It will remain a fully operational naval airbase for the Indian Navy and other armed forces. The government notification includes exceptions for continued use during national emergencies, for police aircraft, and for special government or VIP flights. Furthermore, non-scheduled commercial operations, such as chartered flights, may be permitted to continue operating from the Visakhapatnam civil enclave, ensuring it still plays a role in the region's aviation network.
Navigating the Transition
The shift to Bhogapuram, located about 40-50 kilometres from Visakhapatnam city, has raised discussions among local residents and business communities about travel time. While the new airport promises state-of-the-art facilities and greater capacity, passengers will need to plan for longer journeys to reach it from Visakhapatnam. In the past, concerns were raised about potential flight disruptions due to runway maintenance at the old airport, but those works were completed in early 2024. The current move is a permanent strategic shift to a larger, dedicated civil aviation hub designed to separate commercial traffic from military operations and spur regional development.
