The Big Switch on August 17
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially announced that all scheduled domestic and international passenger flights will operate from the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram starting from 00:01 hours on August 17, 2026. This
marks a complete operational shift for commercial aviation in the region. To ensure a smooth transition, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code 'VTZ', currently used for Visakhapatnam, will be transferred to the new Bhogapuram airport on the same date. Airlines have already begun updating their schedules, so passengers with bookings for travel on or after August 17 should confirm their departure and arrival airport is the new Bhogapuram facility.
Meet the New Gateway: Bhogapuram Airport
Officially named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, the new greenfield airport is a state-of-the-art facility developed by the GMR Group. Built at a cost of nearly ₹4,727 crore, the first phase is designed to handle six million passengers annually, with a master plan for expansion up to 40 million passengers in the future. The airport boasts a 3,800-metre runway capable of handling large wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330. For passengers, this means modern facilities including self-service check-in kiosks, self-baggage drops, and DigiYatra-enabled processing for a smoother journey. A dedicated cargo terminal with a capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes is also expected to boost exports and logistics for the entire North Andhra region.
Getting to Bhogapuram
The new airport is located in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, approximately 45 to 55 kilometres from Visakhapatnam city. This means travelers will need to plan for additional transit time. A drive from the city could take between 75 and 120 minutes, depending on traffic. To facilitate this, the Andhra Pradesh government is introducing dedicated electric bus services from various points in Visakhapatnam, with an expected fare of around ₹300 per seat. For those preferring private transport, cab fares are estimated to be between ₹700 and ₹1,500. Two primary bus routes are planned initially, one via National Highway 16 and another along Beach Road, with more services expected to be added based on demand.
The Future of Visakhapatnam Airport
With commercial flights moving to Bhogapuram, the civil enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport, which operates out of the naval airbase INS Dega, will cease handling scheduled passenger services for a period of 30 years. However, the airbase itself will not be closing. It will continue to be fully operational for the Indian Air Force and other military purposes. The government has also clarified that INS Dega will remain available for use during national emergencies, for VVIP flights, and for non-scheduled commercial operations like charter services.
What Travellers Need to Know
The key takeaway for anyone flying to or from the Visakhapatnam region on or after August 17, 2026, is to double-check your airport. Your flight will be operating from the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (VTZ) at Bhogapuram, not the old airport in Visakhapatnam. Plan for a longer journey to the airport, allotting at least one-and-a-half to two hours for the commute from Visakhapatnam city, in addition to regular check-in time. Keep an eye out for official announcements from airlines regarding flight schedules and from transport authorities regarding bus routes and timings to ensure a hassle-free travel experience during this transition period.
