Commercial aviation in Visakhapatnam moved to a new address on Monday, August 17, 2026. Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram has started scheduled operations, while commercial passenger flights at the old Visakhapatnam Airport have stopped. The biggest catch for flyers is simple: the familiar VTZ airport code remains, but the terminal is now much farther from central Visakhapatnam.
The opening day began with an IndiGo flight arriving from Hyderabad, followed by an Air India Express service from Bengaluru. International traffic is also part of the first-day story, with IndiGo operating the Abu Dhabi route and Scoot serving Singapore.
What Changed At Visakhapatnam Airport Today?
The shift took effect from 00:01 hours on August 17. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had notified that commercial operations at the Civil Enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport, located at INS Dega, would cease when Bhogapuram became operational. The VTZ IATA code was transferred to the new airport, so many tickets still show “Visakhapatnam” and “VTZ” even though passengers must now travel to Bhogapuram.
Air India confirmed the move through its official Bhogapuram travel update. It said all its Visakhapatnam flights would use the new airport from August 17 while retaining VTZ. The airline continues to operate 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and Delhi.
The old airport is not being erased from aviation use. Scheduled commercial passenger operations have ended, while defence, government, emergency and certain other authorised movements can continue under the notified arrangement.
What Does The Bhogapuram Shift Mean For Travellers?
The most immediate change is the road journey. Air India places the new airport around 50 km from the previous facility and has specifically asked passengers to allow extra travel time. Travellers who used to leave home based on the old airport’s city-side location should now recalculate their departure plans.
Key points for passengers today include:
- Airport code: VTZ remains unchanged, but it now points to Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport.
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, Scoot and India One are among opening-day operators.
- International flights: IndiGo’s Abu Dhabi service and Scoot’s Singapore service are using the new airport.
- Public transport: Aero Express electric buses run on ASR-1 and ASR-2 routes every 30 minutes from 4:30 am to 10:30 pm.
- Bus fares: Published fares range from ₹100 from Tagarapuvalasa to ₹400 from Old Gajuwaka and selected city points.
The Aero Express electric bus services cover major stops including NAD Junction, Gurudwara, Zoo Park, Railway Station, Bus Station, Siripuram, ISKCON Temple, IT Hills, Anandapuram and Tagarapuvalasa before reaching the airport.
Air India also posted the change on its official X account, giving passengers another direct source to check before leaving.
Why Is The New Bhogapuram Airport A Big Upgrade?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport on August 1, ahead of commercial operations beginning today. The airport is operated by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited and has an initial capacity of six million passengers a year, with phased expansion planned beyond 40 million annually.
Its 3,800-metre runway can handle wide-body aircraft, while the terminal spans 77,342 square metres. Air India lists 22 traditional check-in counters, 18 self-baggage-drop units and seven aerobridges. The wider airport setup also includes biometric processing, automated baggage systems and operational monitoring technology.
Opening day itself is busy. GVIAL said 52 air traffic movements were planned, with first arrivals by several airlines receiving water-cannon salutes. Passengers can see the reported opening-day flight details covering the Hyderabad, Abu Dhabi and Singapore services.
That geography changes the airport catchment as well. Travellers from Vizianagaram and the northern side of the region may save road time, while passengers coming from southern Visakhapatnam, Gajuwaka or areas near the old airport should expect a longer surface journey.
Travellers can also read GMR’s official airport inauguration announcement for project details.
What Should Passengers Check Before Leaving For VTZ?
For the next few weeks, the safest habit is to look beyond the three-letter airport code. Check the airport name and address on the airline app, booking email and boarding pass. Cab pickups should be booked for Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram, not the former Visakhapatnam passenger terminal.
Passengers catching early morning or late-night flights should also check whether their preferred bus service fits the flight timing. Road traffic, check-in queues and first-week operational changes can add uncertainty, so reaching the airport earlier than usual is sensible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Visakhapatnam Airport completely closed?
No. Commercial passenger flights have shifted, while authorised defence, government and special operations may continue.
Will my flight ticket still show VTZ?
Yes. VTZ refers to Bhogapuram airport, so check the airport name before starting your journey.
How far is Bhogapuram Airport from the old airport?
Air India says the new airport is approximately 50 kilometres from the Visakhapatnam airport facility.
Are international flights operating from Bhogapuram today?
Yes. Opening-day services include IndiGo to Abu Dhabi and Scoot flights linking Visakhapatnam with Singapore.
Is public transport available to the new airport?
Yes. Aero Express electric buses connect Visakhapatnam stops with Bhogapuram throughout most of the day.
Explore more stories on Bhogapuram International Airport, Visakhapatnam flights, passenger services, transport and the shift from the old airport.
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