Bhogapuram Airport is set to become an important aviation gateway for Andhra Pradesh. Officially named Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, this greenfield airport is located at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. The new airport will serve Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and other parts of North Andhra Pradesh. Its first phase is designed to handle around six million passengers annually.

When Will Bhogapuram Airport Open?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate Bhogapuram Airport on August 1, 2026. Commercial flight operations are currently expected to begin on August 17, 2026. The inauguration and the start of commercial passenger flights are scheduled for different dates. Travelers with flights around this period should check their tickets and airline notifications before leaving for the airport.

Where Is Bhogapuram Airport Located?

Bhogapuram International Airport is located in Vizianagaram district, close to National Highway 16. The airport is approximately 45 km from Visakhapatnam and 25 km from Vizianagaram. The actual journey time will depend on the starting point, traffic and road conditions.

Expected Direct Domestic Flights from Bhogapuram Airport

Bhogapuram Airport is expected to take over many of the domestic services currently operating from Visakhapatnam Airport. Direct connections may include major cities such as:

• Hyderabad
• Bengaluru
• New Delhi
• Chennai
• Mumbai
• Vijayawada
• Tirupati

These are possible domestic destinations based on regional travel demand and existing connectivity. The final list of routes will depend on official airline schedules.

International Flights from Bhogapuram Airport

The airport has been designed to support international operations with immigration and customs facilities. Possible international markets could include Singapore and, in the future, destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

However, airlines have not yet published a complete final list of international routes. Travelers should check official airline schedules before planning a trip to any proposed destination.

Passenger Facilities at Bhogapuram Airport

The integrated terminal is designed to handle both domestic and international passengers. It will support check-in, security screening, immigration, baggage handling, arrivals and departures. Individual services and operating hours will be confirmed closer to the start of commercial flights. Expected passenger facilities include:

• Airline check-in counters
• DigiYatra-enabled passenger processing
• Security-screening areas
• Baggage-handling systems
• Flight-information displays
• Passenger waiting areas
• Food and beverage outlets
• Retail stores
• Washrooms and drinking-water stations
• Passenger-assistance services
• Accessibility support

How to Reach Bhogapuram Airport

Travelers can reach the airport through the National Highway 16 corridor by private vehicle, taxi, airport transport or public bus. Passengers should confirm transport options and updated road routes before traveling, especially during the airport’s initial operating period.

Will Visakhapatnam Airport Close After Bhogapuram Opens?

Scheduled commercial flight operations will move from Visakhapatnam Airport at INS Dega to Bhogapuram when the new airport begins service. Scheduled commercial operations at the existing civil enclave will stop for 30 years from August 17, 2026. However, non-scheduled services, including charter flights, and authorized government or armed-forces operations may continue under separate arrangements.

Travel Tips for Bhogapuram Airport Passengers

Travelers using the new airport should:

• Confirm the departure airport on the ticket
• Check airline messages before leaving home
• Allow extra time for the road journey
• Arrange airport transportation in advance
• Carry a valid photo identity document
• Check baggage limits before traveling
• Reach the terminal at the airline’s recommended reporting time
• Use updated maps and airport directions
• Confirm the availability of food, lounges and transport services

Bhogapuram Airport is expected to improve air connectivity across North Andhra Pradesh. Its integrated terminal, international passenger facilities and future expansion plans can support growing demand for domestic and overseas travel.

The move from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport will also change how passengers reach their flights. Travelers should check their airport details carefully and allow additional travel time during the transition.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the official name of Bhogapuram Airport?

The official name is Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport.

When will Bhogapuram Airport open?

The airport is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, 2026. Commercial flight operations are currently expected to begin on August 17, 2026.

Where is Bhogapuram Airport located?

It is located at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh.

What is the passenger capacity of Bhogapuram Airport?

The first phase is designed to handle approximately six million passengers annually.

Will Bhogapuram Airport support DigiYatra?

The terminal is expected to support DigiYatra-enabled passenger processing. Travelers should confirm availability after commercial operations begin.

Are there direct flights from Bhogapuram Airport?

The airport is expected to offer direct domestic connections after commercial operations begin. The final list of airlines and routes will depend on official schedules.

Will Bhogapuram Airport offer international flights?

Bhogapuram Airport has been designed to support international operations. However, airlines have not yet confirmed the complete list of overseas routes or their launch dates.

The post Bhogapuram Airport Expected Flight Routes and Passenger Facilities appeared first on Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration, Tips and News | Travel Diary.

Commercial flight operations will move from Visakhapatnam Airport to the newly developed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram from 12:01 a.m. on August 17, 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced. From that date, all scheduled domestic and international passenger flights will operate from the new airport in Vizianagaram district.

INS Dega to Continue Military Operations

The Civil Enclave at INS Dega will stop handling commercial flights after the transition. However, the airbase will continue to operate for the Indian Air Force and remain available during national emergencies. It will also serve aircraft operated by the armed forces, police, and special government VIP flights.

VTZ Code Assigned to the New Airport

The Ministry has confirmed that the IATA code “VTZ,” currently used by Visakhapatnam Airport, will be transferred to the new airport from August 17. In a separate notification, the government officially renamed Bhogapuram Greenfield Airport as Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, with immediate effect.

Inauguration Scheduled for August 1

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the airport on August 1. Developed at a cost of nearly Rs 4,727 crore, the project was completed in 31 months, nearly five months ahead of schedule, making it one of India’s fastest-completed Greenfield international airports. The airport has already secured the DGCA aerodrome license along with all mandatory safety, fire, and environmental clearances required to begin commercial operations.

Capacity and Future Expansion Plans

The first phase has the capacity to handle 6 million passengers annually. The master plan allows expansion to 40 million passengers a year in future phases. Officials expect the airport to strengthen tourism, industrial investment, exports, logistics, and the aerospace and defence sectors across the erstwhile Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts.

Modern Infrastructure and Passenger Facilities

The integrated project covers 2,703.26 acres, including:

• 2,203.32 acres for airport infrastructure
• 500 acres for an aviation hub
• 136.63 acres for an Aviation University and EduCity

The airport features a 3,800-meter Code-E runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A330, and Airbus A340. It is equipped with advanced airfield lighting, navigation systems, and CNS/ATM infrastructure to support both domestic and international operations.

Passengers will also have access to modern facilities, including contact boarding bridges, the Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS), self-baggage drop, self-service check-in, smart surveillance, integrated security management, and an Integrated Operational Control and Monitoring Centre.

The launch of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport marks a new era for Andhra Pradesh’s aviation sector. With flights shifting from Visakhapatnam, the airport is set to boost connectivity, passenger traffic, and regional growth.

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