Archive · 30 Jul 2026
Visakhapatnam Airport Closes, New Bhogapuram Airport Opens
Visakhapatnam Airport, which had been used for both military and civilian flights for more than 70 years, will stop carrying regular passenger planes on August 17, 2024.
A brand‑new airport called Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport will open in Bhogapuram, a nearby town, and will become the main airport for the region.
The old airport will still be used for military and special flights.
The IATA code that used to identify Visakhapatnam Airport will move to the new airport.
The new airport will be opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 12:01 a.m.
on the same day, with the state chief minister also present.
Scheduled commercial flights at Visakhapatnam’s Civil Enclave of INS Dega will cease on 17 August 2024, ending 70+ years of civilian operations.
The new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, will take over as the region’s primary commercial gateway.
The IATA code VTZ will transfer from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram effective 17 August, marking the official change in global aviation networks.
The closure applies only to scheduled commercial services; non‑scheduled, military, police, government, and VIP flights will continue at the old enclave.
The airport was commissioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 12:01 am on 17 August, with the ceremony attended by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu
- What
- Closure of Visakhapatnam Civil Enclave and opening of Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
- When
- 17 August 2024 at 12:01 am
- Where
- Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India and Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district
- Why
- To replace the old airport with a larger, modern facility and honor freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju
- New Airport Name
- Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
- Old Airport Closure Date
- 17 August 2024
- IATA Code Transfer
- VTZ to Bhogapuram
- Commissioning Time
- 12:01 am
- Commissioning Authority
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi
