A New Airport for Visakhapatnam
The city of Visakhapatnam is getting a major aviation upgrade. Starting from 12:01 am on August 17, 2026, all scheduled commercial flights will cease operations at the current Visakhapatnam International Airport (INS Dega). All flights will instead operate
from the newly constructed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, located at Bhogapuram in the neighbouring Vizianagaram district. This move marks a significant shift in the region's infrastructure, as the existing airport, which is a civil enclave within a naval air station, will no longer handle commercial passenger services for a period of 30 years. The new airport, built by GMR Group, is a large-scale greenfield project designed to handle millions of passengers and boost regional connectivity.
The Critical Date: August 17
The transition is officially scheduled for August 17, 2026. Any commercial flight booked to or from Visakhapatnam on or after this date will be redirected to the new Bhogapuram airport. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially notified this change, and the international airport code 'VTZ', previously assigned to the old Vizag airport, will also be transferred to the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport on the same day. This is not a partial shutdown or a temporary measure; it is a complete transfer of all scheduled commercial airline services. The old airport at INS Dega will continue to handle military, police, VIP, and some non-scheduled commercial flights, but your regular passenger flight will be landing at a new location.
Why You Must Reconfirm Everything
The shift to Bhogapuram has a direct impact on all ground arrangements. The new airport is located in a different district, a significant distance away from the old one and Visakhapatnam city itself. This means any pre-booked airport transfers, such as taxis, hotel shuttles, or private cars, made for the old airport location will be incorrect for flights arriving from August 17 onwards. Your travel time to and from the city will change, as will the cost of transportation. Airlines are in the process of updating their schedules to reflect the new airport, but it is essential for passengers to be proactive and verify every detail of their booking. Assuming your old transfer booking will automatically adjust is a risk that could lead to significant delays and confusion upon arrival.
Your Pre-Travel Action Plan
To avoid any disruption, follow these simple steps if your travel is scheduled for on or after August 17. First, contact your airline directly or check your booking on their official website to confirm that your flight will be operating from Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (VTZ) at Bhogapuram. Second, if you have booked a hotel, inform them of your updated arrival airport and inquire about new transfer options or costs. Third, and most importantly, cancel any existing cab or car rental bookings made for the old Visakhapatnam airport. You will need to make a new booking for pickup or drop-off at Bhogapuram. Be sure to get a clear estimate of the new travel time and fare to your final destination within Visakhapatnam.
Navigating from the New Airport
The new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is a modern facility designed to handle significant passenger traffic, with an initial capacity of six million passengers per year. While specific ground transport options like app-based cab services, prepaid taxis, and bus links are being established, travellers should budget extra time and be prepared for a longer journey into Visakhapatnam city. The new airport is expected to spur economic growth across the region, but in the initial days and weeks of operation, it's wise to plan for a settling-in period. Checking for official updates from the airport authority or GMR Group closer to your travel date can provide the latest information on available transport services and help ensure a smooth start to your trip.
