NEW DELHI — Air India officially transitioned all scheduled flight operations servicing Visakhapatnam to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport located in Bhogapuram, effective August 17, 2026.
Company representatives confirmed that the carrier will maintain its established fourteen weekly flights connecting Bhogapuram directly to Delhi while retaining the existing VTZ airport code to ensure seamless booking continuity for passengers. The newly opened aviation facility spans 77,342 square metres and includes an expanded terminal building designed to accommodate modern passenger processing demands and higher traveler volumes across domestic and international sectors.
Upgraded Infrastructure and Terminal Capabilities
The modern terminal features twenty-two traditional check-in counters alongside eighteen self-baggage drop units intended to minimize queuing times during peak departure hours. Furthermore, the facility incorporates seven aerobridges to streamline boarding and deplaning procedures, replacing older ground-handling workflows utilized at the previous site.
Aviation authorities noted that the strategic relocation aims to alleviate regional air traffic congestion while providing travelers with upgraded lounge amenities, retail options, and enhanced baggage handling systems capable of supporting future route expansions.
Network Connectivity and Regional Integration
The transition forms part of a broader regional infrastructure initiative to upgrade aviation hubs across Andhra Pradesh, supporting stronger economic integration and tourism mobility. Industry analysts observe that maintaining the legacy VTZ airport code prevents administrative disruptions for global distribution systems and connecting passengers booked on codeshare itineraries.
Ground transport links, including dedicated express bus services and expanded taxi ranks connecting Visakhapatnam to the Bhogapuram facility, became fully operational alongside the flight schedule transfer.
Why did Air India relocate its Visakhapatnam operations to Bhogapuram?
Air India relocated its Visakhapatnam operations to Bhogapuram to utilize the newly constructed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, which offers modern terminal infrastructure, expanded check-in facilities, and advanced aerobridges designed to handle growing passenger capacities more efficiently than the previous civil enclave.
The airline completed the full operational transfer on Monday, August 17, 2026.
All scheduled Air India services operate out of the new Bhogapuram terminal under the retained VTZ airport code starting August 17, 2026.