If you’re planning to fly to or from Visakhapatnam, this is an important update.
The Government of India has announced that all commercial flights will move from the current Visakhapatnam Airport to the newly built Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram starting August 17, 2026.
From 12:01 am on August 17, every domestic and international commercial flight will operate from the new airport in Vizianagaram district.
New Bhogapuram Airport to Get VTZ Airport Code
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has confirmed that the VTZ airport code, currently used by Visakhapatnam Airport, will be officially transferred to Bhogapuram Airport from August 17.
The new airport will also officially be known as Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, making it the main airport serving the Visakhapatnam region.
What Will Happen to the Old Visakhapatnam Airport?
Commercial flight operations at the existing civil enclave will stop for the next 30 years.
However, the airport will not be completely closed. It will continue to be used for:
Indian Air Force operations
Armed forces and police aircraft
VIP government flights
National emergency situations
Built in Record Time at a Cost of ₹4,727 Crore
The new greenfield airport has been built at a cost of ₹4,727 crore and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, 2026.
The project was completed in just 31 months, nearly five months ahead of schedule, making it one of India’s fastest-built greenfield airports.
It has already received its DGCA aerodrome licence along with all required safety, environmental, and fire clearances.
Modern Airport with Capacity for 6 Million Passengers
In its first phase, the airport can handle 6 million passengers every year. Under its future expansion plan, this capacity will increase to 40 million passengers annually.
Spread across 2,703 acres, the project includes:
2,203 acres for the terminal and runway
500 acres for an aviation hub
136.63 acres for an aviation university and education facilities
The airport can handle large aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A330, and Airbus A340.
Passengers will also benefit from modern facilities, including contact boarding bridges, self-baggage drop counters, the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS), smart surveillance, and an integrated operations control centre.
Big Boost for North Andhra Pradesh
The new airport is expected to drive economic growth across Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.
A modern cargo terminal with a capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes has also been developed. It includes cold-chain storage to support exports of pharmaceuticals, seafood, and other high-value products.
The project is expected to create new opportunities in tourism, logistics, aerospace, manufacturing, and other industries, while attracting fresh investment and generating employment across the region.
