A New Gateway for North Andhra
The brand-new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram is poised to become the primary aviation hub for North Andhra Pradesh. Located in Vizianagaram district, approximately 45 kilometers from Visakhapatnam, this greenfield airport is a massive
infrastructure upgrade for the region. Developed by GMR Group under a public-private partnership, the project was completed in a record 31 months at a cost of nearly ₹4,727 crore. The first phase is designed to handle six million passengers annually, with a master plan for future expansion to accommodate up to 40 million. Its 3,800-metre runway is capable of handling large wide-body aircraft, opening the doors for long-haul international flights and positioning the region as a key player on India's east coast.
The Big Switch: Flights and Code Transfer
The transition is officially scheduled for August 17, 2026. According to a notification from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, all scheduled commercial flight operations will cease at the current Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) and commence at Bhogapuram from midnight. In a crucial move that preserves the city's aviation identity, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code 'VTZ', which has represented Visakhapatnam for decades, will be officially transferred to the new Bhogapuram airport on the same date. Airlines are already updating their schedules, and any passenger with a flight booking to or from Visakhapatnam on or after August 17 will automatically be re-routed to the new facility.
What Happens to the Old Airport?
The existing airport in Visakhapatnam is a civil enclave within a naval airbase, INS Dega. For over 70 years, it has served as a vital link for the city, balancing civilian and defence operations. With the new airport becoming operational, the civil enclave at INS Dega will close to all scheduled commercial flights for a period of 30 years. However, the airbase will continue its full military functions for the Indian Navy and Air Force. The facility will also remain available for non-scheduled services like charter flights, police or government agency aircraft, and during national emergencies.
What This Means for Travellers
For passengers, the biggest change will be the new location. The Bhogapuram airport is connected to Visakhapatnam via National Highway 16. To ensure smooth connectivity, the state government is also developing a new six-lane coastal road to link the city directly to the terminal. While initial travel times from the city center will be longer compared to the old airport, the new facility promises a significantly enhanced experience with modern amenities and unrestricted 24/7 operations, free from the military-imposed time slots that limited flights at INS Dega. Domestic flights are expected to connect to major hubs like Hyderabad, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, while potential international routes include Singapore, Dubai, and Bangkok.
An Engine for Economic Growth
The Bhogapuram airport is more than just an airport; it's being hailed as a transformative project for the entire North Andhra region. The unrestricted flight capacity and a dedicated cargo terminal are expected to provide a massive boost to trade, particularly for the region's pharmaceutical, aquaculture, and IT sectors. The project is also a catalyst for tourism and hospitality, with over ₹5,000 crore in new hotel investments already in the pipeline from major brands like Oberoi and Taj. By creating an integrated ecosystem that includes an aviation hub and an EduCity, the airport is set to generate thousands of jobs and attract significant new investment, turning North Andhra into a major economic hub.
