A major change has taken place in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation sector. Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram began commercial flight operations on August 17, 2026.
The first passenger flight was an IndiGo service arriving from Hyderabad. An Air India Express flight from Bengaluru also landed at the new airport.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the airport’s first commercial flight service and handed boarding passes to passengers.
The new airport is expected to improve air connectivity in North Andhra and create new opportunities for tourism, investment and employment.
Flights From Visakhapatnam Shift to Bhogapuram
With the opening of Bhogapuram Airport, all scheduled commercial flights previously operating from Visakhapatnam Airport have now shifted to the new airport.
The last scheduled commercial flight from the old Visakhapatnam Airport departed for Delhi on August 16.
However, the old airport will not shut down completely.
It will continue to handle defence and police operations, VIP movements and special unscheduled flights.
Air India’s flights to and from Visakhapatnam will also operate from Bhogapuram Airport from August 17.
The airport will continue using the VTZ IATA code, which has been transferred from the old Visakhapatnam Airport.
More Flights to Delhi, Hyderabad and Bengaluru
Passengers can expect strong connectivity from the new airport.
Air India will operate 14 flights every week between Delhi and Bhogapuram.
It will also provide daily services to Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Vijayawada.
The current schedule is planned to remain in effect until October 24, 2026.
There will also be two flights every day between Hyderabad and Bhogapuram and two daily flights between Bengaluru and Bhogapuram. Additional return services will operate on selected days.
What Facilities Are Available at the New Airport?
The new terminal covers around 77,342 square metres and has been designed with passenger convenience in mind.
It includes:
22 traditional check-in counters
18 self-baggage drop units
Advanced passenger screening systems
Modern baggage handling facilities
Seven aerobridges
The terminal’s design and architecture also reflect the history, heritage and culture of the region.
Airport Inaugurated on August 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport on August 1, 2026.
The airport is located in Bhogapuram in Andhra Pradesh’s Vizianagaram district.
The project was developed with the support of farmers who contributed land and GMR, which was responsible for developing the airport.
Big Boost Expected for North Andhra
The new airport is expected to do more than improve flight connectivity.
According to the Union Civil Aviation Minister, better air connectivity could encourage investment, tourism, employment and economic activity across North Andhra.
Road connectivity around the airport is also being improved. Work has started on seven major road projects, including a proposed beach corridor.
With commercial flights now beginning, Bhogapuram Airport is set to become an important transport hub for the region.
