Bhogapuram International Airport Begins Flight Operations, Commercial Services Shift from Visakhapatnam Airport
According to a notification issued by the Civil Aviation Department, all scheduled commercial passenger flights will operate from Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district from August 17.
Amaravati: A major change is set to take place in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation sector with the launch of flight operations from the state’s new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. From 1 p.m. on August 17, all scheduled commercial flights currently operating from Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega Civil Enclave) will be discontinued and shifted to the new airport.
According to a notification issued by the Civil Aviation Department, all scheduled commercial passenger flights will operate from Bhogapuram International Airport in Vizianagaram district from August 17.
Officials said scheduled commercial flight operations at the existing Visakhapatnam Airport will remain suspended for the next 30 years. However, the airport will continue to handle non-scheduled flights, including operations during national emergencies, as well as flights operated by the Indian Air Force, armed forces, police, government officials, VIPs and chartered aircraft.
The Centre has also announced that the international airport code “VTZ”, currently associated with Visakhapatnam Airport, will be transferred to Bhogapuram International Airport from August 17.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a Gazette notification officially naming the new facility Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport. The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet had approved the name on September 18, 2024, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, and the Centre has now formally approved it.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the modern international airport on August 1.
The greenfield airport has been developed across approximately 2,203 acres, with an additional 500 acres earmarked for supporting infrastructure and other facilities. The airport features a 3,800-metre-long runway, a modern passenger terminal catering to domestic and international operations, cargo facilities and advanced aviation infrastructure.
To improve passenger convenience, the airport has 40 check-in counters, 12 Digi Yatra pods, a Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS) and self-baggage drop facilities. The terminal also showcases Andhra Pradesh’s cultural heritage through traditional Etikoppaka toys and Ponduru Khadi handicrafts.
Officials said the launch of Bhogapuram International Airport is expected to significantly improve air connectivity in northern coastal Andhra Pradesh, meet the growing demand for passenger and cargo services and contribute to economic growth and investment in the region.
