Commercial Flight Operations to Move from Visakhapatnam Airport to Bhogapuram from August 17
Visakhapatnam: Commercial passenger flights operating from Visakhapatnam Airport are set to shift to the newly constructed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram from August 17, marking a significant transformation in Andhra Pradesh's aviation network.
The move follows the completion of the state's flagship greenfield airport project, which has been developed to meet rising passenger demand while supporting future expansion in air connectivity, tourism and cargo operations across North Andhra.
According to officials, all scheduled domestic and international commercial flights currently operating from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) will be transferred to the Bhogapuram facility. After the transition, the present airport will primarily continue serving military aviation requirements, as it functions within the Indian Navy's INS Dega base.
The new airport is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, ahead of the commencement of commercial operations later in the month. Authorities have been finalising operational procedures to ensure a smooth migration of airline services and passenger facilities.
One of the major changes accompanying the shift is the transfer of the internationally recognised VTZ airport code from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport to the Bhogapuram International Airport. Airlines, travel operators and passengers are expected to update their travel information accordingly once the transition becomes effective.
Built at an estimated cost of ₹4,727 crore, the Bhogapuram airport has been completed in nearly 31 months, making it one of India's fastest-developed greenfield international airports. The project has been designed with modern passenger amenities, advanced security systems and infrastructure capable of supporting future aviation growth.
During its first phase, the airport has the capacity to handle around six million passengers annually. Expansion plans have already been incorporated into the master plan, allowing the airport to eventually accommodate nearly 40 million passengers every year as air traffic in the region continues to increase.
The airport also features a 3,800-metre runway, enabling operations of large wide-body international aircraft. Officials believe this will improve direct connectivity with major domestic and overseas destinations while strengthening Andhra Pradesh's position as an emerging aviation hub.
Beyond passenger services, the government expects the project to generate wider economic benefits by encouraging investments, promoting tourism, improving logistics and supporting export-oriented industries across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and neighbouring districts.
Infrastructure experts believe the airport's strategic location near the Visakhapatnam metropolitan region will ease future traffic pressure while offering airlines greater operational flexibility compared to the existing dual-use defence airport.
Authorities have advised passengers travelling after August 17 to carefully verify their departure airport while booking tickets or checking flight schedules, as all commercial airline operations will function from Bhogapuram after the transition.
With one of Andhra Pradesh's largest infrastructure projects nearing operational readiness, the opening of Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to usher in a new phase of regional connectivity and long-term economic development.
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