Vizag's New International Airport (Bhogapuram Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport) Inaugurates on Aug. 1; Commercial Flights Start Aug. 17
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, widely known as the Bhogapuram International Airport, represents a major transformation in the aviation landscape of North Andhra Pradesh, specifically covering the three districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.
Located strategically at Bhogapuram in the Vizianagaram district along National Highway 16 (NH-16), this state-of-the-art greenfield airport is being developed by GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. The project spans over 2,700 acres, with the core airport occupying around 2,203 acres and the remaining land earmarked for an integrated aviation hub.
Beyond the airport itself, the project supports broader regional development. In collaboration with the Mansas Trust, GMR is establishing an Aviation Education City to develop skilled aviation professionals and foster long-term economic growth, reinforcing the airport's role as a catalyst for transformation in the region.
This new airport replaces the civilian enclave at INS Dega in Visakhapatnam and serves as a major commercial and logistics hub for the districts of Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam.
Operating under the IATA code VTZ and ICAO code VOVI, the airport is designed to handle 6 million passengers per annum (MPPA) in its initial phase. The long-term master plan allows expansion up to 40 million passengers annually.
The official inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi takes place on August 1, 2026, with full commercial flight operations transitioning to the facility starting August 17, 2026.
Major domestic and international air carriers—including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air—will shift their scheduled commercial services from the old INS Dega civil enclave to Bhogapuram. The airport utilizes a modern 3,800-meter Code-E runway capable of supporting wide-body long-haul aircraft.
Key Bhogapuram Airport Information at a Glance
Official Name: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
Popular Name: Bhogapuram International Airport
Airport Code: IATA: VTZ (Transferred from the existing INS Dega civil enclave) | ICAO: VOVI
Runway: 3,800-meter Code-E asphalt runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft (e.g., Boeing 777, Airbus A350).
Airport Land Area: Total site of 2,703 acres, with 2,203 acres allocated for core airport operations and 500 acres for an integrated aviation hub.
Location: Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh (along the NH-16 corridor).
Opening Dates: Inauguration on August 1, 2026 (by Prime Minister Narendra Modi).
Commercial Operations Launch: August 17, 2026 (all scheduled commercial flights transition fully from INS Dega to Bhogapuram).
Passenger Capacity: Phase 1 handles 6 to 6.3 Million Passengers Per Annum (MPPA), expandable up to 40 MPPA in future phases.
Flights Operational (Operational Carriers): Full commercial shift of all scheduled domestic and international passenger flights, including IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa Air.
Developer: GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Bhogapuram Airport Infrastructure & Operational Highlights
Code 4E Runway: This new airport utilizes a modern 3,800-meter asphalt runway designed to easily accommodate wide-body long-haul aircraft (e.g., Boeing 777, Airbus A350).
Integrated Smart Terminal: DigiYatra-enabled check-in processing, advanced baggage handling systems, executive lounges, extensive duty-free shopping, and local Andhra culinary zones.
Cargo Hub: A dedicated 20,000 MT capacity air cargo facility to streamline exports for seafood, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and textiles.
Connectivity & Road Distance Guide to Major Vizag Landmarks
Navigating to the new international airport from various residential suburbs, transit centers, and commercial hubs across Visakhapatnam involves direct access via the NH-16 corridor, the scenic coastal Beach Road network, or city arterial networks.
For suburban commuters located in northern residential clusters, travel distances are relatively short. Bheemili sits just around 20 kilometers away, while Anandapuram is roughly 23 kilometers from the terminal. Kommadi is located approximately 30 kilometers away, Madhurawada lies at about 33 kilometers, and PM Palem is about 36 kilometers from the airport premises.
Moving slightly closer to the core city, commuters from Hanumanthawaka will cover a distance of roughly 41 kilometers. Arilova is located approximately 43 kilometers away, while Maddilapalem sits about 45 kilometers out. The spiritual hub of Simhachalam is located roughly 47 kilometers away via the Anandapuram–Pendurthi arterial link.
For travellers coming from central transit nodes, commercial hubs, and famous tourist destinations, distances naturally scale further south along the coastal belt. Rushikonda Beach is located about 35 kilometers away. The central Vizag RTC Bus Complex (Dwaraka Bus Station) is approximately 48 kilometers from Bhogapuram, while the iconic Ramakrishna (RK) Beach sits at about 49 kilometers.
Moving into the dense commercial heart, Jagadamba Junction is roughly 50 kilometers away. The main Visakhapatnam Railway Station is located approximately 51 kilometers from the airport premises. The historic heritage center of Old Post Office in One Town sits about 53 kilometers away. The existing Visakhapatnam International Airport (INS Dega) lies roughly 56 kilometers south via the main national highway express belt.
For industrial nodes, naval zones, and southern suburban hubs, the extended connectivity network enables smooth logistics and freight handling via the airport's dedicated 20,000 MT cargo terminal. The Vizag Port area is situated about 53 kilometers away, while the naval sector around Scindia (Sindia) sits at roughly 57 kilometers.
Further south into the primary industrial belt, Gajuwaka is located approximately 61 kilometers from the airport. Yarada Beach lies at a distance of about 64 kilometers. Finally, the key commercial and industrial town of Anakapalle sits roughly 78 kilometers away via the NH-16 bypass corridor.
