Commercial flight operations at Bhogapuram's Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport will launch on August 17, 2026. Following its August 1 inauguration by PM Narendra Modi, all scheduled passenger flights will move from Visakhapatnam's INS Dega enclave to the new $680M GMR-operated greenfield hub, featuring an initial 6-million annual capacity.
VISAKHAPATNAM — Commercial flight operations at the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, will officially commence at 00:01 hours on August 17, 2026. Following the formal inauguration of the ₹5,640-crore greenfield project by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, 2026, airport operator GMR Group and the Ministry of Civil Aviation confirmed that all scheduled commercial passenger services will transition from the existing civil enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) to the new facility. This development marks a major aviation overhaul for the North Andhra region, establishing a modern 2,200-acre international gateway designed to decongest military-constrained airspace and boost economic growth across India's eastern coast.
30-Year Closure Mandate Shifts Scheduled Services to Greenfield Hub
According to a statutory notification issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, scheduled commercial aviation at the civil enclave of Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) will cease for a period of 30 years starting August 17, 2026. Coinciding with the commencement of passenger services at Bhogapuram, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport code VTZ will officially transfer to the new international airport.
The Ministry clarified that the operational transfer applies strictly to scheduled commercial flights. Exceptions under the order allow the Indian Air Force, armed forces, police authorities, government VIP transports, and non-scheduled commercial charter operations to continue utilizing INS Dega.
Developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) Public-Private Partnership framework, the airport features a 3,800-meter asphalt runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft. Phase 1 provides an initial annual handling capacity of 6 million passengers, with master plans designed to scale capacity to 40 million passengers over subsequent development phases.
Impact on Passengers, Logistics, and Regional Commerce
For Travelers and Commuters: Passengers traveling to and from Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam will benefit from expanded terminal amenities, shorter security processing queues, and increased direct domestic and international flight connections.
For Businesses and Real Estate: The relocation is driving commercial real estate activity along the Visakhapatnam–Bhogapuram NH-16 corridor, with major industrial groups planning commercial ventures, logistics parks, and hospitality hubs adjacent to the airport.
For Cargo and Industrial Logistics: An integrated 500-acre aviation hub and air cargo terminal will streamline supply chains for pharmaceutical manufacturing, marine exports, and electronics units operating across North Andhra Pradesh.
Official Sources Section
According to official releases, gazette notifications, and regulatory disclosures published by government bodies and airport operators:
Ministry of Civil Aviation Notification: Order issued under Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba Ao mandating the transfer of scheduled commercial flights and the 30-year operational closure of the INS Dega civil enclave.
GMR Group Press Release: Corporate disclosures issued by GMR Airports Limited detailing project completion, flight validation testing, and phased capacity projections.
Andhra Pradesh State Announcements: Project briefs released during the inauguration ceremony by the Chief Minister's Office and Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL).
Official Quotes and Executive Statements
Reflecting on the operational rollout and economic significance of the project:
G. B. S. Raju, Business Chairman, GMR Airports Limited:
"We are confident that the airport will emerge as a major gateway for India's eastern corridor, driving investment, employment, and regional prosperity for decades to come. The facility has been completed well ahead of schedule to deliver world-class infrastructure to Andhra Pradesh."
According to officials at the Ministry of Civil Aviation:
"The shift of commercial operations to Bhogapuram provides a dedicated civilian airport with unrestricted round-the-clock slot availability, removing the operational limitations previously imposed by shared military runway operations at INS Dega."
Why It Matters
The opening of Bhogapuram Airport solves a long-standing constraint on Visakhapatnam’s growth. Operating previously out of a naval air station restricted night landings and commercial slot expansion. The transition to a dedicated 24/7 greenfield airport gives Andhra Pradesh a major international air transit hub, unlocking direct global passenger and freight connectivity required to attract foreign direct investment, tourism, and technology manufacturing.
Key Facts at a Glance
Flight Launch Date: Scheduled commercial flight operations begin at Bhogapuram Airport on August 17, 2026.
Code Migration: The IATA airport code VTZ officially moves from Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) to Bhogapuram on August 17.
30-Year Mandate: Scheduled commercial operations at INS Dega will cease for 30 years, while defense and charter flights remain.
Greenfield Scale: Developed by GMR Group over 2,200 acres with an initial Phase 1 capacity of 6 million passengers per year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will Bhogapuram Airport start flights for commercial passengers?
Commercial passenger flights at Bhogapuram Airport (Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport) will start on August 17, 2026, at 00:01 hours IST.
What happens to the existing Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega)?
All scheduled commercial passenger flights will shift to Bhogapuram. Scheduled commercial operations at INS Dega will remain suspended for 30 years, though military, government VIP, and charter flights will continue operating there.
Will airline ticket codes change when operations shift to Bhogapuram?
No, the existing IATA airport code VTZ will automatically transfer to Bhogapuram Airport on August 17, 2026, ensuring seamless booking transitions across airline reservation systems.
How far is Bhogapuram Airport from Visakhapatnam city center?
Bhogapuram Airport is located approximately 40 to 45 kilometers northeast of Visakhapatnam along the NH-16 highway corridor.
Source: Official notifications from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, press releases from GMR Group, state project reports from [Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited](https://ap airports.ap.gov.in/), and reporting by The Hindu and Deccan Chronicle.
