Special flight operations have begun at Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, the new greenfield airport in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh. The development comes just days before the airport is scheduled to begin regular scheduled commercial flight operations on August 17, 2026. On August 12, special flights arrived at Bhogapuram from Delhi, carrying senior officials and public representatives.
Regular Flights to Begin on August 17
The special flights should not be confused with the start of regular scheduled commercial services. The Civil Aviation Ministry has announced that scheduled commercial flight operations will begin at Bhogapuram at 12:01 a.m. on August 17, 2026. At that point, scheduled commercial operations will shift from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport to Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. The civil enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport will remain closed to scheduled commercial operations for 30 years, subject to specified exemptions.
Also Read: Bhogapuram Airport User Charges
Bhogapuram Airport Connectivity From Visakhapatnam
The biggest practical change for passengers is the airport’s location. The airport site is approximately 45 km from Visakhapatnam via NH-16. The airport site is approximately 45 km from Visakhapatnam via NH-16. Therefore, passengers travelling from Visakhapatnam city will need to allow additional travel time to reach the airport. The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation is also set to begin Aero Express electric bus services connecting Visakhapatnam with Bhogapuram Airport from August 15.
Also Read: Bhogapuram Flight Schedule
Passenger Capacity and Infrastructure
The first phase of Bhogapuram Airport is designed to handle 6 million passengers annually. The airport’s capacity can be expanded in stages to accommodate rising passenger traffic in the future. A 3,800-metre runway will support a wide range of aircraft operations. Phase 1 also includes 18 aircraft parking stands, seven aerobridges, 40 check-in counters and 12 Digi Yatra pods to facilitate passenger processing.
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