The Great Airport Swap
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that all scheduled commercial flight operations will shift from the current airport in Visakhapatnam (INS Dega) to the brand-new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. This complete handover
is scheduled to happen at midnight on August 17, 2026. From that moment on, if you're flying to or from the Vizag region, your destination will be the new Bhogapuram airport. The iconic airport code 'VTZ', long associated with Visakhapatnam, will also be transferred to the new facility. The existing airport at INS Dega, which has served as a civil enclave within a naval airbase for over 70 years, will cease commercial passenger services for a period of 30 years.
Why the Big Move?
The shift has been on the cards for years, driven by the limitations of the current airport. Operating as a civil enclave within the Indian Navy's INS Dega airbase meant restrictions on flight timings and potential airspace congestion between military and civilian aircraft. The new Bhogapuram airport, a greenfield project built by the GMR Group, is designed to overcome these challenges. It will operate 24/7 without restrictions, boast a longer runway capable of handling large wide-body aircraft, and has a massive initial capacity of six million passengers per year, with plans to expand to 40 million. This move is seen as a transformative step to boost the economy, tourism, and logistics for the entire North Andhra region.
What are 'Connection Buffers'?
The headline's term 'connection buffers' essentially refers to the time you need to comfortably make a connecting flight. The new airport shift will impact this in a few ways. Firstly, the physical location is different. Bhogapuram airport is located about 45-50 kilometres from Visakhapatnam city. This means travellers from the city will need to build a new, longer travel 'buffer' into their schedules, with a car journey taking around 75 minutes or more, depending on traffic. Secondly, for flight connections themselves, the transition period around August 17 may see schedule adjustments by airlines. However, in the long run, having a dedicated, 24/7 international airport is expected to streamline operations. Airlines will have more flexibility in scheduling, which could lead to more efficient and reliable connection times for passengers transiting through the region.
The Future of the Old Airport
With commercial flights moving out, the existing airport at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam will return to its primary military function. The Ministry of Civil Aviation's order specifies a 30-year closure for scheduled commercial services. However, it's not a complete shutdown for all non-military activity. The airbase will remain available for use during national emergencies, for aircraft operated by armed forces and police, and for special government VIP flights. The notification also allows for non-scheduled commercial flights, such as charter services, to potentially continue operating from INS Dega.
How Travellers Should Prepare
If you have travel planned to or from Visakhapatnam after August 16, 2026, your flight will operate from the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (VTZ) at Bhogapuram. Airlines are in the process of updating their schedules, so it is crucial to double-check your ticket details and keep an eye out for communications from your carrier. The most significant change for passengers will be the commute. A trip to the new airport from Vizag city will take longer and cost more. Initial estimates suggest an electric bus ticket could be around ₹300, while a cab fare might range from ₹800 to ₹1,500. Factoring in this extra travel time and cost will be essential for a stress-free journey.
