Vizag airport to end commercial operations soon

India's aviation landscape is set for a significant shift as the government plans to close the existing Visakhapatnam Airport to commercial operations starting August 17, 2026. This move aligns with the inauguration of the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Greenfield Airport at Bhogapuram, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to open on August 1.

The decision to transfer the airport code VTZ from the current Visakhapatnam facility to the new Bhogapuram airport was formalized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This transition is part of a long-term plan, with the civil enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) slated to remain closed for scheduled commercial flights for 30 years from August 17, 2026.

This development marks a notable step in India's growing aviation sector, which has become the world's third-largest domestic market. While Visakhapatnam Airport will cease scheduled commercial operations, exceptions are made for national emergencies and flights involving the Indian Air Force, other armed forces, police, or authorized agencies. Non-scheduled commercial operations may still be permitted.