The commercial era at INS Dega has officially concluded. As of Monday, all scheduled airline services and the VTZ airport code have transitioned to the new Bhogapuram International Airport.

Key Takeaways

  • The final scheduled commercial flight from INS Dega was IndiGo's Delhi service on Sunday night.
  • All scheduled airline operations have officially moved to Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram.
  • The IATA code 'VTZ' has been officially transferred to the new Bhogapuram facility.
  • INS Dega will continue to host naval operations and non-scheduled civil flights.

The landscape of aviation in Andhra Pradesh has undergone a monumental shift. On Sunday, August 16, 2026, the civil enclave at INS Dega marked its final day of commercial operations. The terminal witnessed an emotional farewell as the last scheduled service, IndiGo flight 6E 2018 to New Delhi, departed at 10:45 p.m., closing a chapter that began during the Second World War.

Effective from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram has officially commenced operations. Per Ministry of Civil Aviation notifications, this move marks the end of a 30-year era where civil flights operated within a naval enclave. Notably, the iconic airport code 'VTZ' has now moved alongside the airlines to the new Bhogapuram site.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this transition is critical for the economic scaling of the region. For decades, civil aviation at INS Dega was constrained by naval slots and operational restrictions. The shift to a dedicated greenfield airport in Bhogapuram removes these bottlenecks, allowing for expanded capacity, longer runways, and the potential for significant international connectivity that was previously impossible at a military-controlled site.

The migration of the VTZ code signifies more than just a change in geography; it represents the modernization of Andhra Pradesh's logistical backbone.

Historical Background

The airfield at Visakhapatnam has a storied past, dating back to 1941 when it was established by the Royal Air Force. It served as a strategic point during WWII, witnessing combat patrols and even surviving Japanese bombings. In 1991, the facility was commissioned as INS Dega, named after the Telugu word for a large bird of the eagle family, serving as a vital hub for both naval aviation and limited civil services for over three decades.

Did You Know?: The Visakhapatnam airfield was once used to stage Dakota aircraft for paratroop drops during wartime operations in Burma.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I still fly from INS Dega?
Scheduled commercial flights have ceased. However, non-scheduled flights and Indian Navy operations will continue to use the facility.

2. Where is the new airport located?
All scheduled flights now operate from the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram.