A New Gateway for North Andhra
The new greenfield airport, located in Bhogapuram in the Vizianagaram district, is a landmark project for the region. Situated approximately 45 kilometres from Visakhapatnam, it is designed to serve as the primary aviation hub for the districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram,
and Srikakulam. Built by GMR Group, the first phase is equipped to handle six million passengers annually, with a master plan for future expansion to accommodate up to 40 million. The project was completed in just 31 months, well ahead of schedule, and boasts a 3,800-metre runway capable of handling large international aircraft. After its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, 2026, all scheduled commercial flights will transition to this new facility.
What Happens to Visakhapatnam Airport?
This is the most critical change for travelers: starting from midnight on August 17, 2026, all scheduled commercial passenger flights will cease operations at the existing Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega). According to a notification from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the current airport's civil enclave will be closed to scheduled services for a period of 30 years. The iconic airport code, VTZ, will also be transferred to the new Bhogapuram airport. However, the INS Dega facility will continue to be used by the military and for non-scheduled flights, including charter services, police, and official government aircraft.
Your New Airport Commute: Routes and Times
The biggest adjustment for most passengers will be the longer commute. The new airport is connected via National Highway-16, which is the primary artery for reaching it. While the distance from Visakhapatnam is roughly 45-55 km, travel time can vary significantly depending on your starting point and traffic. From the current airport location, the drive to Bhogapuram is estimated to take around an hour. For residents in areas like Gajuwaka or the industrial corridors near Anakapalle, the journey could easily stretch to one-and-a-half or two hours, a substantial increase compared to the current airport commute. To ease this, authorities have been fast-tracking several road-widening projects and developing new link roads to improve connectivity.
The Cost of a Longer Journey
A longer drive naturally means higher transportation costs. Preliminary estimates for taxi and cab aggregator services from Visakhapatnam city to Bhogapuram range from ₹800 to ₹1,500 one-way, depending on the service and demand. For comparison, a one-way cab trip from the existing airport to Bhogapuram is priced at around ₹1,200 to ₹1,400. To provide a more affordable alternative, the Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) is set to introduce electric bus services. A seat on an e-bus is expected to cost around ₹300, with 20 buses planned to operate on two routes initially.
Tips for a Smooth Transfer
Given the significant shift, planning ahead is essential. First and foremost, double-check your flight tickets for travel on or after August 17 to confirm the departure and arrival airport is Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (VTZ). Allow for significantly more travel time than you are used to, especially if you reside in the southern parts of Visakhapatnam. For those looking to save on costs, watch for announcements regarding the new APSRTC e-bus schedules. If you prefer a cab, consider pre-booking your ride, as on-demand prices may surge during peak hours. With modern facilities like self-service check-in and automated baggage drops, the experience inside the new terminal promises to be efficient, but getting there will require a new routine.
