A major change has taken place in Andhra Pradesh's aviation sector. Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram has started commercial flight operations, shifting scheduled passenger services away from the old Visakhapatnam Airport.

Commercial operations at the new airport began on August 17, 2026, making August 18 the first full day of operations for passengers travelling through the new facility.

For people booking or taking flights to Visakhapatnam, the most important change is simple: your flight may still show "Visakhapatnam" and the familiar VTZ airport code, but you now need to travel to Bhogapuram.

Where Will Visakhapatnam Passengers Catch Flights Now?

Scheduled commercial flights to and from Visakhapatnam have moved to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, located in Vizianagaram district.

The old Visakhapatnam Airport at INS Dega has stopped scheduled commercial passenger operations following the transition. The last commercial flight departed on August 16.

This means passengers should not go to the old Visakhapatnam airport for regular commercial flights.

Is the VTZ Airport Code Changing?

This is one of the most important things passengers need to know.

The airport code VTZ remains in use, but it now represents the new Bhogapuram airport for scheduled commercial operations.

So, if your ticket says Visakhapatnam (VTZ), that does not mean you should travel to the old airport. Your flight will operate from the new Bhogapuram facility.

Passengers should check their airline's latest travel communication before leaving for the airport.

Why Was Visakhapatnam Airport Shifted?

Bhogapuram has been developed as a new greenfield international airport to handle the growing aviation needs of North Andhra.

The new facility offers a larger and more modern infrastructure setup, including a new terminal and seven aerobridges.

The airport is expected to improve connectivity for Visakhapatnam and surrounding areas while supporting tourism, business and economic activity across North Andhra Pradesh.

Which Airlines Are Operating From Bhogapuram?

Major airlines have shifted their scheduled Visakhapatnam operations to Bhogapuram.

Air India, for example, has moved all its flights operating to and from Visakhapatnam to the new airport from August 17. The airline is continuing 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and Delhi.

IndiGo has also shifted its Visakhapatnam flight operations to the new airport.

The first commercial flight at the new airport was operated by IndiGo from Hyderabad, marking the beginning of regular passenger operations.

What Should Passengers Do Before Travelling?

The airport transition means passengers need to be a little more careful while planning their journey.

Before leaving home, check:

• Your flight's latest airline notification.
• The airport mentioned in the latest travel communication.
• The VTZ airport code on your ticket.
• Travel time from Visakhapatnam city to Bhogapuram.
• Available taxi, bus or other transport options.
• Check-in and boarding time.

Most importantly, do not assume that a ticket mentioning Visakhapatnam means the old airport is still operational for your flight.

Bhogapuram Airport Is Farther From Vizag City

One of the biggest practical changes for passengers is the distance.

The new airport is in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, rather than at the old INS Dega location in Visakhapatnam.

That means travellers coming from Visakhapatnam city will need to plan additional road travel before their flight.

Airport connectivity through road transport is therefore likely to become an important part of the new travel experience.

What Happens to the Old Visakhapatnam Airport?

The shift does not mean that the old facility has disappeared.

The government had earlier approved the closure of scheduled commercial operations at the existing Vizag naval airfield once Bhogapuram became operational. The existing site is connected to the Indian Navy's operations, while the new airport takes over scheduled civilian commercial services.

The new arrangement separates the region's growing civilian aviation needs from the existing defence-linked airport infrastructure.

Why Bhogapuram Airport Matters for Andhra Pradesh

The airport is more than just a replacement for the old passenger terminal.

The new facility is expected to improve air connectivity across North Coastal Andhra Pradesh and support tourism, investment and business activity.

State leaders have also highlighted the airport's potential to create employment and support industrial growth in the region.

With both domestic and international connectivity planned, Bhogapuram could gradually become an important aviation hub for the region.

Bhogapuram Airport: What Passengers Need to Remember

The transition can be summed up in one simple point:

Visakhapatnam remains the destination, but Bhogapuram is now the airport for scheduled commercial flights.

The VTZ code continues, so passengers should not get confused if their existing ticket still displays Visakhapatnam.

However, the physical airport location has changed, making it important to plan the road journey in advance.

Final Words

The Bhogapuram Airport has officially started commercial operations, marking a major change for air travellers in Visakhapatnam and North Andhra.

From August 17, scheduled commercial flights shifted from the old Visakhapatnam Airport to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport.

For passengers, the key takeaway is clear: check your flight carefully, remember that VTZ now points to Bhogapuram, and allow extra travel time from Visakhapatnam city.

As more airlines and routes operate from the new airport, Bhogapuram is expected to play a major role in the region's future air connectivity.

FAQs

Is Bhogapuram Airport operational now?

Yes. Commercial flight operations began at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram on August 17, 2026.

Are Visakhapatnam Airport flights shifted to Bhogapuram?

Yes. Scheduled commercial passenger flights have shifted from the old Visakhapatnam Airport to Bhogapuram.

Is the VTZ airport code changing?

No. The VTZ code continues to be used for the new airport after the transition.

Where should I go if my ticket says Visakhapatnam (VTZ)?

For scheduled commercial flights after the transition, passengers should travel to Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, not the old Visakhapatnam airport.

Which airlines are operating from Bhogapuram?

Airlines including Air India and IndiGo have shifted their Visakhapatnam operations to the new airport.

When did the old Visakhapatnam Airport stop commercial flights?

Scheduled commercial operations at the old airport ended on August 16, 2026, with the new airport taking over from August 17.

Why was Bhogapuram Airport built?

The new airport is designed to provide modern aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity for Visakhapatnam and North Andhra Pradesh.