Air India's 14 weekly Bhogapuram-Delhi flights begin as ops shift from Vizag
Synopsis
Air India has shifted all its Visakhapatnam operations to the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram from 17 August, retaining the IATA code VTZ. The move marks the first major commercial airline transition to the new terminal — a 77,342 sq metre facility inaugurated by PM Modi on 1 August — while the old Vizag airport stays open for defence and VIP use.
Key Takeaways
Air India moved all Visakhapatnam flights to Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram from 17 August 2025 .
The airline will operate 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and New Delhi .
The IATA code VTZ transfers from the old Vizag airport to Bhogapuram — existing bookings remain valid.
The new terminal covers 77,342 square metres and includes 22 check-in counters , 18 self-baggage drop units , and 7 aerobridges .
The old Visakhapatnam airport will continue operating for defence, police, VIP, and special flights .
The current schedule runs until 24 October 2026 ; PM Modi inaugurated the airport on 1 August 2025 .
Air India announced on Sunday, 17 August 2025 that all its flights previously operating to and from Visakhapatnam International Airport will now depart and arrive at the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, effective 17 August. The airport will retain the existing IATA code VTZ, ensuring seamless continuity for passengers booking tickets.
Flight Schedule and Connectivity
Air India will maintain 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and New Delhi, preserving domestic and international connectivity through its hub network. Multiple daily services will also link Bhogapuram with Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Vijayawada, strengthening air access across Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
Hyderabad–Bhogapuram flights will operate twice daily. The Bengaluru–Bhogapuram route will similarly run twice daily, with an additional return service on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The current timetable remains in effect until 24 October 2026.
What the New Airport Offers
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport spans 77,342 square metres and is designed to deliver improved passenger comfort and operational throughput. The terminal features 22 traditional check-in counters, 18 self-baggage drop units, advanced security screening systems, state-of-the-art baggage handling infrastructure, and 7 aerobridges — a significant upgrade over the existing Visakhapatnam facility.
Status of the Old Vizag Airport
The original Visakhapatnam International Airport will not close entirely, according to officials. It will continue to serve defence and police operations, VIP movements, and unscheduled special flights. The IATA code VTZ, however, transfers fully to Bhogapuram, meaning all commercial airline bookings will route through the new facility.
Background and Inauguration
The Bhogapuram airport is located in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, and is designed to serve the broader Visakhapatnam metropolitan region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport on 1 August 2025. The shift of Air India operations marks the first major airline transition to the new terminal, and is expected to prompt other carriers to follow suit in coming weeks.
What Passengers Should Know
Travellers holding existing Air India bookings under code VTZ need not rebook — the IATA code transfer ensures their tickets remain valid. Passengers are, however, advised to account for the new airport's location in Bhogapuram, approximately 40 kilometres from central Visakhapatnam, when planning ground transport. The airline is expected to update its app and website with revised terminal information ahead of the transition.
Point of View
Not a parallel facility. The real question is whether ground connectivity to the new airport, some 40 kilometres from the city centre, keeps pace with the terminal's ambitions. India has inaugurated several greenfield airports where passenger uptake lagged because surface transport was an afterthought. With Air India leading the shift, other carriers will follow, but the airport's long-term success hinges on road and rail links that have not yet been fully detailed.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Air India moving flights from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram?
Air India is relocating all its Visakhapatnam operations to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 August 2025. The shift is part of a planned transition of commercial aviation from the old Vizag airport to the modern greenfield facility, effective 17 August 2025.
Will my existing Air India VTZ ticket still be valid after the shift?
Yes. The IATA code VTZ is being transferred from the old Visakhapatnam airport to the new Bhogapuram airport, so existing bookings will remain valid without rebooking. Passengers should, however, note that Bhogapuram is approximately 40 kilometres from central Visakhapatnam and plan ground transport accordingly.
What facilities does the new Bhogapuram airport offer?
The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport spans 77,342 square metres and features 22 traditional check-in counters, 18 self-baggage drop units, advanced security screening, state-of-the-art baggage handling systems, and 7 aerobridges. It is designed to offer significantly improved passenger comfort and operational efficiency over the old Vizag terminal.
What happens to the old Visakhapatnam airport?
The existing Visakhapatnam International Airport will not shut down. According to officials, it will continue to be used for defence and police operations, VIP movements, and unscheduled special flights. Commercial airline operations, however, move entirely to Bhogapuram.
Which Air India routes operate from Bhogapuram and how frequently?
Air India will run 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and New Delhi, twice-daily services to Hyderabad and Bengaluru, and daily flights to Vijayawada. The Bengaluru route carries an additional return service on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The schedule is valid until 24 October 2026.
