The End of an Era for Visakhapatnam Airport
From midnight on August 17, 2026, all scheduled commercial flights will cease operations at the existing Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) and move to the new Bhogapuram airport. This transition marks the end of commercial services at the city's long-standing
civil enclave, which will be closed to scheduled passenger flights for the next 30 years. The Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed the move, noting that the airport code 'VTZ' will also be transferred to the new facility. The old airport at INS Dega will continue to handle military, police, emergency, and specific non-scheduled government VIP flights. This major shift is happening as the new Bhogapuram airport, located about 45 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, prepares for its official inauguration on August 1.
New Bus Routes and Pick-up Points
To manage the transition, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is launching new dedicated bus services. Initially, a fleet of 20 air-conditioned electric buses will connect Visakhapatnam with Bhogapuram airport. These buses will operate on two primary routes, ensuring connectivity from different parts of the city. The first route will run along National Highway-16, starting from Kurmannapalem and passing through Old Gajuwaka, NAD Junction, Gurudwara, Maddilapalem, and Madhurawada before reaching the airport. The second route will begin at the Visakhapatnam Railway Station and travel via the RTC Complex, RK Beach, and the IT Hills corridor. These routes are designed to act as the main arteries for public transport to the new airport.
What to Expect on Your Journey
Passengers should plan for longer travel times. The journey from Kurmannapalem to Bhogapuram via the NH-16 route is expected to take approximately one hour and 45 minutes. The Beach Road route is estimated to take around two hours. Fares for these new electric bus services are expected to be around ₹300 for a trip from the core city area. For those opting for cabs, the fare from central locations like Jagadamba Junction is estimated to be between ₹800 and ₹1,500, depending on traffic and demand. To enhance passenger comfort, authorities are also planning to set up air-conditioned lounges at key boarding points along the bus routes, including Kurmannapalem, Gajuwaka, NAD Junction, and Maddilapalem.
Why the Big Change?
The shift to Bhogapuram is driven by the limitations of the current airport, which operates as a civil enclave within the INS Dega naval airbase. This setup imposes restrictions on flight schedules and prevents 24/7 operations. The new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport will operate around the clock without such constraints. With a 3,800-meter runway, it can handle large wide-body aircraft, opening up the possibility of direct long-haul international flights. In its first phase, the airport is designed to manage six million passengers annually, a significant increase from the old airport's capacity, with plans for future expansion to handle up to 40 million passengers. This move is intended to transform North Andhra into a major aviation and logistics hub, boosting tourism and industry.
How to Prepare for Your Next Flight
For anyone flying out of or into Visakhapatnam from August 17 onwards, careful planning will be essential. First, confirm your flight details, as all commercial operations will use the new Bhogapuram airport. Double-check the new APSRTC bus routes and schedules to find the most convenient pick-up point for your journey. Given the longer travel distances, it is crucial to allow for extra time to get to the airport to avoid any last-minute rush. Familiarise yourself with the new bus stops and potential cab fares to make an informed decision on your airport transfer. Keep an eye on official announcements from APSRTC and airport authorities for any updates on services, fares, or routes as the operational date approaches.
