AviationNews – Visakhapatnam Airport suspends operations, seamlessly transitioning all scheduled commercial flights to the newly opened Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram to accommodate regional aviation growth.
At midnight on August 16, 2026, Visakhapatnam Airport officially ceased its civilian air traffic after more than six decades of service, capping an era with a final IndiGo departure to Delhi. Starting August 17, 2026, all domestic and international scheduled passenger services successfully shifted to the new greenfield airport located approximately 45 kilometers from the city. Developed by GMR Group under a public-private partnership, the new facility at Bhogapuram retains the familiar ‘VTZ’ airport code to ensure a smooth transition for passengers, cargo operators, and airlines. The old Visakhapatnam Airport, functioning as a civil enclave at INS Dega, will now solely support the Indian Navy, along with non-scheduled charter and private flights.
The newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport boasts a state-of-the-art 77,342-square-meter terminal designed to handle six million passengers annually during its first phase. Operationally, the facility features a massive 3,800-meter runway, 22 conventional check-in counters, 18 self-service baggage drops, and advanced DigiYatra integration for swift processing. This infrastructural leap drastically improves aircraft turnaround times and passenger comfort, while providing dedicated cargo capabilities to support regional trade.
“The commencement of commercial flight operations at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is a matter of great happiness and pride. This marks the beginning of a new chapter for North Andhra and will open new opportunities for the region,” stated Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.
Looking ahead, the shift to Bhogapuram is poised to catalyze immense economic growth and tourism across Andhra Pradesh. As airlines like Air India and IndiGo rapidly adapt to the new hub, the airport plans to expand its capacity incrementally to eventually serve over 40 million passengers per year. The expanded infrastructure and night-parking capabilities will encourage carriers to introduce new direct routes to global destinations, positioning the region as a premier international gateway on India’s eastern coast.
The historic relocation of commercial flight operations from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram reflects a massive upgrade in India’s aviation infrastructure. By providing world-class facilities and expanded capacity, the new airport sets the stage for decades of robust regional connectivity and economic prosperity.