---
title: "Visakhapatnam Aviation Shift: Bhogapuram Airport to Replace INS Dega for 30 Years"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/visakhapatnam-bhogapuram-airport-commercial-flight-shift-2026-h09qn
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-08T01:47:02.000Z
modified: 2026-08-08T04:01:21.588Z
language: en-IN
---

# Visakhapatnam Aviation Shift: Bhogapuram Airport to Replace INS Dega for 30 Years

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has ordered all scheduled commercial flights to move to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport starting August 17, 2026. This transition marks the end of passenger services at the current INS Dega civil enclave for three decades.

## Key takeaways

- Commercial air traffic officially transfers from INS Dega to Bhogapuram on August 17, 2026.
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation has mandated a 30-year closure of scheduled passenger services at the old civil enclave.
- The new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport will inherit the VTZ aerodrome code.
- Built for ₹4,727-crore, the new facility can handle six million passengers annually in its initial phase.

## The Transition Schedule

Effective 00:01 hours on August 17, 2026, the aviation landscape of Andhra Pradesh will undergo a significant restructuring. The Ministry of Civil Aviation, through a notification issued by Joint Secretary Asangba Chuba Ao, has mandated that all scheduled commercial air services currently operating out of the Visakhapatnam Airport civil enclave at INS Dega must relocate to the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. On this date, the international aerodrome code VTZ will officially transfer to the new facility.

## Infrastructure and Development

Constructed by the GMR Group under a public-private partnership, the new greenfield airport represents a ₹4,727-crore investment. Following its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, the facility was completed in 31 months. As a Code E airport, its first phase is designed to manage an annual capacity of six million passengers. The site encompasses 2,700 acres and includes dedicated zones for an aviation hub and educational facilities.

## Three-Decade Restriction at INS Dega

The Ministry has imposed a 30-year suspension on scheduled commercial operations at the existing INS Dega civil enclave once Bhogapuram becomes active. However, specific exemptions remain in place. The facility will continue to accommodate aircraft from the Indian Air Force and other armed forces, police authorities, and government-owned or leased VIP aircraft. Furthermore, the enclave remains available for flights during national emergencies and may still handle non-scheduled commercial operations.

## Why It Matters

Regional trade organizations anticipate that this infrastructure shift will serve as a catalyst for industrial expansion and tourism across the Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, and Visakhapatnam districts. The move is expected to modernize logistics and enhance export capabilities for the entire region.

## Key Facts

- Scheduled commercial flights move to Bhogapuram at 00:01 hours on August 17, 2026.
- The existing VTZ aerodrome code will be reassigned to the new airport.
- INS Dega will be closed to scheduled commercial services for a period of 30 years.
- The new airport project cost ₹4,727-crore and was built in 31 months by GMR Group.
- Phase one capacity allows for six million annual passengers at the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport.

Source: The Hindu — National

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/visakhapatnam-bhogapuram-airport-commercial-flight-shift-2026-h09qn
Reported from: The Hindu — National