Visakhapatnam’s long-running civilian airport chapter is about to close, with commercial flight operations scheduled to shift out of the existing airport from July 8. The transition marks a major aviation change for the port city, as all passenger services will move to the newly built Bhogapuram airport, around 50 km away.
For travellers, the change is more than a simple airport swap. The old Visakhapatnam airport, which operates from a naval airfield, has long served the city as a civil enclave. From July 8, however, it will no longer handle commercial flights, making Bhogapuram the region’s sole civilian aviation hub.
A new airport era begins
The shift is being seen as a landmark moment for Andhra Pradesh’s aviation network. Bhogapuram, formally known as Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, has been developed as a greenfield project and is expected to take over all passenger traffic from the existing facility.
Airlines have already begun preparing passengers for the transition. Scoot, for instance, has issued advisories stating that its Visakhapatnam flights will operate from the new airport once the change takes effect. That means travellers booking flights after the deadline will need to pay close attention to the airport code and terminal details.
Why the move matters
The end of commercial operations at the old airport is significant because Visakhapatnam has relied on it for years as a key gateway for business, tourism and family travel. Its location inside a naval base also meant that civilian operations were always subject to operational limits and scheduling constraints.
Bhogapuram is expected to offer a more modern, dedicated passenger experience. But the transition will likely bring a period of adjustment, especially for frequent flyers, local transport providers and passengers who are used to reaching the city airport in a shorter time.
Fares and passenger impact
The shift may also affect travel costs. With the new airport farther from the city, passengers are likely to factor in longer road travel and higher transfer expenses. Regulatory authorities have already approved an ad hoc tariff structure for the new airport until regular aeronautical charges are finalised.
That means the first phase of operations could come with revised fees and a different travel pattern for both domestic and international passengers. For many travellers, the bigger question will be how smoothly the new airport connects with the city and surrounding regions.
What travellers should watch
Anyone flying to or from Visakhapatnam after July 8 should check airline advisories carefully. Airport transitions often create confusion, especially in the first few weeks, and passengers may accidentally turn up at the wrong terminal if they rely on older booking habits.
The best approach is simple: confirm the airport name on the ticket, verify the airline’s latest notice and allow extra time for ground travel. For Visakhapatnam, this is not just a relocation — it is the beginning of a new aviation map for the region.
