A major change has taken place in Andhra Pradesh's aviation landscape. Air India has shifted all its scheduled flights serving Visakhapatnam to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram from August 17, 2026.
The move marks the beginning of commercial operations at the greenfield Bhogapuram airport and the end of scheduled commercial passenger operations at the existing Visakhapatnam airport's civil enclave at INS Dega.
Importantly, passengers searching for Visakhapatnam flights will continue to use the airport code VTZ. The internationally recognised VTZ code has been transferred to the new Bhogapuram airport.
Air India Flights Now Operate From Bhogapuram
From August 17, 2026, Air India's Visakhapatnam services operate from:
Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport (Bhogapuram)
Airport code: VTZ
Location: Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh
Air India is continuing 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and Delhi, providing passengers with access to Delhi and onward connections through the airline's network.
This means passengers holding Air India tickets to or from Visakhapatnam (VTZ) should now travel to Bhogapuram rather than the former civil airport facility in the city.
What Has Changed for Passengers?
The most important change is simple:
| Earlier | From August 17, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Visakhapatnam Airport / INS Dega | Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram |
| VTZ code | VTZ continues |
| Commercial flights from city airport | Commercial flights shift to Bhogapuram |
| Air India Visakhapatnam services | Operated from Bhogapuram |
| Delhi connectivity | 14 flights per week |
The existing Visakhapatnam airport will no longer handle scheduled commercial passenger flights. It will remain available for defence, government, emergency, VIP and other permitted non-scheduled operations.
How Far Is Bhogapuram Airport From Visakhapatnam?
One of the biggest practical changes for flyers is the airport's location.
The new airport is approximately 50 km from Visakhapatnam city centre, meaning passengers who previously reached the airport relatively quickly from central Vizag will need to allow additional road-travel time.
Airlines have therefore advised passengers to plan their airport transfers carefully, particularly for early-morning and late-night flights.
Scoot, for example, has confirmed that its Visakhapatnam services will also operate from Bhogapuram while retaining the VTZ code. The airline advises passengers to reach the airport at least 120 minutes before departure.
Travel tip
If your ticket says VTZ – Visakhapatnam, don't assume that means the old airport in the city. From August 17, VTZ refers to the new Bhogapuram airport for scheduled commercial operations.
A Major Upgrade for North Andhra Aviation
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is one of Andhra Pradesh's most significant aviation infrastructure projects.
The greenfield airport has been developed by GMR Airports and is designed to provide substantially upgraded passenger and aviation infrastructure for the region.
The airport begins operations with an annual passenger-handling capacity of around 6 million, with expansion planned as traffic grows. It also features modern passenger facilities and seven aerobridges.
The airport is expected to support:
Better domestic air connectivity
Expansion of international flights
Tourism growth
Cargo movement
Business and investment
Employment generation
Development of North Andhra
The airport's launch is also expected to strengthen connectivity to major tourism destinations such as Visakhapatnam, Araku Valley, Simhachalam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.
International Connectivity Gets a Major Boost
The airport's international status is particularly important for the region.
The new facility has been designated to handle international passenger operations, creating the potential for stronger direct connectivity between North Andhra and overseas destinations.
Singapore is among the first major international connections announced for the new airport, with Scoot scheduled to operate its Visakhapatnam–Singapore service from Bhogapuram. Scoot has specifically confirmed the airport transition effective August 17, 2026.
This could significantly improve travel options for passengers from Andhra Pradesh who currently depend on connecting through larger metropolitan airports.
Old Visakhapatnam Airport's Commercial Operations End
The transition is not simply an airline-specific airport change.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified that scheduled commercial operations at the existing Visakhapatnam airport's civil enclave will cease, with commercial services moving to Bhogapuram. The existing facility will continue to have other permitted uses, including defence and government operations.
The move follows a pattern seen when major greenfield airports replace older city-based airports, such as the transitions involving Hyderabad and Bengaluru.
What Air India Passengers Should Do
If you are travelling on Air India to or from Visakhapatnam after August 17, keep these points in mind:
1. Check your ticket
Your booking may still display VTZ / Visakhapatnam, but the operating airport is now Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram.
2. Leave earlier
Because Bhogapuram is around 50 km from central Visakhapatnam, add sufficient road-transfer time to your journey.
3. Don't go to the old airport by mistake
This is particularly important for passengers unfamiliar with the airport transition.
4. Check your airline notifications
Flight schedules and timings can change, so check your booking and airline communication before leaving for the airport.
Air India's official flight-search system continues to list Visakhapatnam services under VTZ, so passengers should use the same code while searching for flights.
New Airport Means New Travel Planning for Vizag
For local passengers, the biggest short-term challenge will likely be the additional road distance.
Travellers from Visakhapatnam should consider:
Starting earlier for morning flights
Allowing extra time during peak traffic
Checking airport-transfer services
Confirming the correct pickup/drop-off location
Keeping additional buffer time for long-distance journeys
For international flights, arriving well ahead of departure is especially important because passengers must complete check-in, security and immigration formalities.
What This Means for Visakhapatnam Tourism
The airport transition comes at an important time for Visakhapatnam's tourism ambitions.
Vizag is already a major gateway to destinations including:
RK Beach
Kailasagiri
Simhachalam Temple
Araku Valley
Borra Caves
Lambasingi
Yarada Beach
Thotlakonda
Rushikonda
With a modern international airport and additional international connectivity, North Andhra could become more accessible to both domestic and overseas tourists.
The improved airport infrastructure is also expected to support business travel and investment across the wider region.
Air India Bhogapuram Airport: Key Facts at a Glance
Airport: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
Location: Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh
Serves: Visakhapatnam / North Andhra
Airport code: VTZ
Air India operations: From August 17, 2026
Air India–Delhi frequency: 14 weekly flights
Distance from Visakhapatnam city: Approximately 50 km
Initial passenger capacity: Around 6 million passengers annually
Aerobridges: 7
International operations: Yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air India still using VTZ for Visakhapatnam?
Yes. The VTZ airport code continues to be used, but scheduled commercial flights have moved to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram.
From when will Air India flights operate from Bhogapuram?
Air India's Visakhapatnam flights shifted to Bhogapuram from August 17, 2026.
How far is Bhogapuram Airport from Vizag?
The airport is approximately 50 km from Visakhapatnam city centre.
Are Air India Delhi flights continuing?
Yes. Air India is continuing 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and Delhi.
Do I need a different airport code while booking?
No. VTZ remains the airport code for Visakhapatnam services after the transition to Bhogapuram.
Are international flights operating from Bhogapuram?
Yes. The airport has been established as an international airport, and airlines including Scoot are operating international services from the new facility.
Conclusion
The August 17, 2026 transition marks a new chapter for Visakhapatnam aviation. Air India's complete shift to the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram brings modern airport infrastructure, continued Delhi connectivity and a stronger platform for international aviation.
For passengers, however, one point is crucial: VTZ now means Bhogapuram for scheduled commercial flights. If you're flying Air India from Visakhapatnam, plan your journey to the new airport and allow additional time for the approximately 50-km road journey from the city.
The transition is more than an airport relocation—it represents a major infrastructure upgrade that could strengthen Vizag's role as the aviation, tourism and business gateway of North Andhra.
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