Changing Skies: INS Dega Grounds Passenger Flights as Bhogapuram Takes Over

Pearl Doshi - Gujarat Bureau Aug 17, 2026 1,550 Views

Ending over seven decades of civilian operations, the Civil Enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) officially halted scheduled commercial flights, shifting traffic to the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. While commercial airlines relocate, INS Dega continues handling military operations, non-scheduled charters, and emergency flights.

Following official government directives, scheduled commercial aviation operations have transitioned from the decades-old naval enclave to a modern greenfield airport.

Marking the conclusion of a major chapter in regional aviation history, scheduled commercial flight operations at the Civil Enclave of Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) officially ceased at 00:01 hours on August 17, 2026. The transition shifts all scheduled passenger traffic to the newly built Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in the Vizianagaram district. According to announcements from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the closure of commercial services at INS Dega fulfills a structural condition established during the project's initial site clearance in January 2016, clearing the path for expanded international connectivity under the transferred VTZ airport code.

Infrastructure Migration and the Future of INS Dega

While commercial airlines have migrated their base of operations to the ₹4,727-crore greenfield facility in Bhogapuram, the airfield at INS Dega will remain highly active. Operating primarily as a strategic military airbase for the Eastern Naval Command, the enclave is designated to continue non-scheduled commercial operations.

Key regulatory exemptions and operational parameters outlined by authorities include:

Military and Defense Continuity: Aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force, naval units, and other armed forces retain full access to INS Dega.
Emergency and VIP Charters: Police transports, flights during national emergencies, and government-chartered VIP aircraft are explicitly exempted from the 30-year restriction on scheduled civilian services.
Non-Scheduled Services: Private operators and non-scheduled commercial flights may continue utilizing the civil enclave infrastructure alongside military traffic.
Global Code Relocation: The official IATA international aerodrome code VTZ officially transferred from the old enclave to the Bhogapuram facility upon the transition cutoff.

Impact on Travelers, Businesses, and Regional Economy

For air travelers, businesses, and tourism operators across north coastal Andhra Pradesh, the shift to Bhogapuram introduces modern passenger-processing facilities capable of handling wide-body aircraft and significantly higher passenger volumes. While travelers must adjust their transit routes to the new greenfield site outside the immediate city center, trade bodies and regional investors anticipate that the expanded cargo terminals and scalable capacity will stimulate regional industrial exports and international tourism.

Why It Matters

Relocating commercial aviation to a dedicated greenfield facility eliminates urban congestion constraints, accommodates wide-body international aircraft, and provides long-term capacity for growing passenger and cargo volumes across the region.

Key Facts at a Glance

Transition Date: August 17, 2026, at 00:01 hours.
New Primary Gateway: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram.
Status of INS Dega Civil Enclave: Closed to scheduled commercial flights for 30 years; remains active for military, emergency, VIP, and non-scheduled operations.
IATA Code Status: Code VTZ officially transferred to Bhogapuram.

FAQ Section

Why did Visakhapatnam Airport stop handling commercial flights?

In accordance with government gazette notifications and initial project conditions set in 2016, scheduled commercial operations shifted to the newly constructed greenfield airport in Bhogapuram to accommodate expanding regional aviation needs.

Can any flights still operate from INS Dega?

Yes. While scheduled commercial passenger airlines have relocated, INS Dega continues to handle military aircraft, police transports, emergency flights, government VIP charters, and non-scheduled commercial operations.

What happened to the VTZ airport code?

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) code VTZ officially transferred from the Visakhapatnam civil enclave to the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram.

Where can passengers verify flight schedules for the new airport?

Travellers can check updated airline timetables and terminal information through individual carrier portals or via the Airports Authority of_India (AAI) Official Portal.