Visakhapatnam’s historic INS Dega Airport will officially stop handling scheduled commercial passenger flights from midnight on August 17, 2026. All domestic and international airline operations will move to the newly inaugurated Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) International Airport at Bhogapuram. While civilian services will shift, INS Dega will continue functioning as a strategic naval airbase under the Indian Navy. The existing IATA airport code “VTZ” will also be transferred to the new airport.
Visakhapatnam is entering a new chapter in aviation history as INS Dega Airport prepares to end its role as the city’s commercial airport.
From midnight on August 17, 2026, all scheduled domestic and international passenger flights will operate exclusively from the Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) International Airport at Bhogapuram, located around 45–50 km from Visakhapatnam city.
The transition follows the inauguration of the greenfield international airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1, marking one of the biggest infrastructure developments in Andhra Pradesh.
VTZ Airport Code Moves to Bhogapuram
Although the airport location is changing, passengers will continue using the familiar IATA code “VTZ” while booking flights.
The VTZ code, previously assigned to Visakhapatnam’s INS Dega Airport, will officially be transferred to the new ASR International Airport. This ensures airlines, travel portals and booking systems continue to identify Visakhapatnam under the same airport code without affecting passengers.
INS Dega Will Continue Defence Operations
While civilian air traffic will cease, INS Dega will remain an active naval air station under the Indian Navy’s Eastern Naval Command.
The base will continue handling military aircraft, defence logistics, training missions and strategic operations. The shift of commercial aviation is intended to separate civilian and military operations, allowing both facilities to function more efficiently.
Passenger Advisory
Passengers travelling on or after August 17 should:
- Verify the departure airport on their ticket.
- Travel to ASR International Airport, Bhogapuram instead of INS Dega.
- Reach the airport at least 2–3 hours before departure, considering the longer travel distance from Visakhapatnam city.
A New Era for North Andhra Aviation
Developed as a modern greenfield airport, ASR International Airport is designed to handle significantly more passengers than the existing civil enclave at INS Dega. The airport is expected to boost tourism, trade, cargo movement and international connectivity across North Andhra and neighbouring regions.
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FAQ
When will INS Dega stop commercial flight operations?
Commercial passenger flight operations will end from midnight on August 17, 2026.
Where will Vizag flights operate after August 17?
All scheduled flights will operate from Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport, Bhogapuram.
Will INS Dega Airport be closed permanently?
No. INS Dega will continue operating as a defence airbase for the Indian Navy.
Will the airport code VTZ change?
No. The VTZ code will continue to represent Visakhapatnam, but it will now belong to the new ASR International Airport.