When will airlines start international flights from Bhogapuram Airport? Andhra NRIs from the US, Canada, Europe, Singapore, the Gulf, and Australia are not just looking to fly directly to the newly opened airport; they are keenly waiting to see it as a global gateway to their home, Andhra Pradesh. Flying internationally to and from Alluri Sitarama Raju Airport, Bhogapuram is just a matter of time.
When will Bhogapuram Airport start operating?
After its spectacular inauguration, Bhogapuram Airport expects to launch commercial operations under the IATA code – VTZ (transferred from Vizag Airport) on 17 August 2026. At the same time, Visakhapatnam Airport will cease to operate for passenger flights except for the government and Indian Army. Initially, the new Andhra airport will cater to the same domestic network as Visakhapatnam Airport’s, with direct flights to Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, and Goa.
Vijayawada Airport vs Bhogapuram Airport: International flights
Bhogapuram Airport spanning 2703 acres is two times bigger than Vijayawada Airport spread over 1200 acres. The former has a 3800-meter runway ideal for smooth take-off and landing of such widebody planes as A380, A350, B787 Dreamliner, and B777-300. The latter has a shorter 3360-meter runway.
Currently, Bhogapuram ASR Airport can handle 6 million passengers per annum, with plans to augment the passenger-handling capacity to 40 million a year in a phased manner; whereas Vijayawada Airport’s new integrated terminal (under construction) can handle 3.5 million passengers annually.
“Undoubtedly, Bhogapuram Airport would attract international airlines, especially from the Middle East, in the coming days. Given the infrastructure and facilities built Rs 5000 crore, Bhogapuram has greater likelihood than Vijayawada to connect Andhra Pradesh to not only neighboring Asian countries but also long-haul destinations.
Emirates, one of our leading partners for unbeatable flight deals to India, showed interest in Vijayawada Airport in early 2025. Since then, there is no further progress. In all likelihood, Emirates will shift its interest to Bhogapuram given the enormity of the new airport project and investment. We wish not only Emirates but also Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, and British Airways add Bhogapuram to their networks,” said Dheeraj Duvvuru, CEO of IndianEagle.com.
Bhogapuram Airport facilities for international operations
In the first phase, the new Andhra airport got a modern integrated terminal with essential passenger facilities for domestic operations, like airline check-in counters, flight information displays, ground assistance services, baggage-handling systems, security screening technology, passenger waiting areas, retail space, etc. The terminal will get better accessibility support for easier navigation in the near future.
Bhogapuram Airport’s terminal will get further infrastructure boost for international flights in the future phases. Once the airport becomes operational, it will progressively get DigiYatra-enabled gates, customs and immigration processing facilities, among fundamentals for international travel to and from Andhra Pradesh. Once customs and immigration start at VTZ Airport, Bhogapuram will join the list of Indian airports under the latest hub and spoke model with Easy Connect flight operations.
Which international airlines will fly from Bhogapuram in 2026
Air India Group: Air India and Air India Express are reportedly planning a lineup of short international routes from Bhogapuram Airport. Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia are on the priority list that is likely to include London, Paris, and Frankfurt in the future.
IndiGo: As a leading codeshare partner of several major airlines, IndiGo may expand its partners’ route network and flight connectivity to Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, in addition to directly linking it to Singapore, Dubai, and Kuala Lumpur.
Scoot: Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, Scoot has already confirmed shifting its international operations from Visakhapatnam to the new airport in Bhogapuram.
Gulf Airlines: Fly Dubai, Oman Air, and Riyadh Air are apparently checking operational feasibility for Bhogapuram Airport, according to some reports. The new gateway to Andhra Pradesh anticipates interest from the Middle East airlines sooner or later.
