The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that all scheduled commercial flights will relocate from Visakhapatnam's INS Dega to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram starting August 17, 2026.

Key Takeaways

  • All scheduled commercial operations will move to Bhogapuram Airport effective 00:01 hours on August 17, 2026.
  • The international aerodrome code 'VTZ' will transition to the new Bhogapuram facility.
  • INS Dega will face a 30-year restriction on scheduled commercial services.
  • Military, police, emergency, and VIP flights are exempt from the closure.

In a landmark decision for regional connectivity, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has notified that all scheduled commercial flight operations will officially shift from the civil enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) to the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. The transition is set to take effect at 00:01 hours on August 17, 2026.

A critical component of this transition is the relocation of the international aerodrome code 'VTZ', which will now be assigned to the Bhogapuram airport. This move follows the recent inauguration of the ₹4,727-crore greenfield project, designed to modernize the aviation landscape of Andhra Pradesh and cater to the growing passenger demands of the region.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this shift is not merely a change of location but a strategic economic catalyst. Spanning over 2,700 acres, the Bhogapuram airport is poised to transform the logistics and trade capabilities of the Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts. By establishing an aviation hub and an educational zone, the project is expected to trigger massive growth in industrial exports and tourism.

The transition to Bhogapuram marks the beginning of a new era of high-capacity, international-standard connectivity for coastal Andhra.

While the 30-year closure at INS Dega significantly impacts commercial travel, the Ministry has provided essential exemptions. Aircraft belonging to the Indian Air Force, other armed forces, police authorities, and flights required during national emergencies will continue to operate from the existing enclave. Furthermore, government-owned or leased VIP aircraft will maintain access to INS Dega.

Historical Background

For decades, the civil enclave at INS Dega served as the primary gateway for Visakhapatnam. However, as air traffic increased, the limitations of the existing infrastructure became evident. The development of the Bhogapuram airport, built by the GMR Group under a public-private partnership, provides a Code E facility capable of handling six million passengers annually in its initial phase.

Did You Know?: The new Bhogapuram airport is a 'Code E' facility, meaning it is designed to accommodate large, long-haul international aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will my flight code change?
The VTZ code will remain the same but will now represent the Bhogapuram airport instead of INS Dega.

2. Can private charters still land at INS Dega?
Yes, non-scheduled commercial flights may continue to operate from the INS Dega civil enclave.