A new chapter in Andhra Pradesh’s aviation story has officially begun! The Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram has started commercial flight operations, with the first aircraft touching down to a traditional water cannon salute. With flights now moving from the old Vizag Airport to Bhogapuram, here’s everything you need to know about it.
Bhogapuram Airport Welcomes First Flight With Water Cannon Salute
According to Deccan Chronicle, commercial flight operations at the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram officially began with IndiGo flight 6E 6408 from Hyderabad landing around 6:45 AM.
Passengers were welcomed by GMR officials, district authorities and airport staff, and were gifted traditional Etikoppaka toys as a keepsake to mark their first arrival at the new airport. The first flight from Bhogapuram to Hyderabad took off around 7:30 AM. IndiGo operates services connecting Bhogapuram with Hyderabad and Bengaluru, with the first Bengaluru flight also scheduled to arrive at the new airport.
As flight operations began, passengers praised the infrastructure and facilities at the newly operational airport. Malathi Nagabhairava, one of the first passengers to arrive from Hyderabad, told Deccan Chronicle that her journey was “fantastic” and said she felt safe and comfortable throughout the flight, with no turbulence.
She and many others praised the airport’s modern infrastructure, latest technology and digitised systems, while noting that it still retains a warm touch of Indian culture. The airport officially began flight operations at midnight on August 17, with the first aircraft receiving a traditional water cannon salute upon landing.
Air India Shifts All Flight Ops
According to Business Standard, Air India has shifted all its scheduled flights to and from Visakhapatnam to the newly opened Bhogapuram Airport from August 17. The airline will continue to use the familiar VTZ airport code, which has now been transferred from the old Visakhapatnam Airport to the new facility.
The new airport is located around 50 km from the old Visakhapatnam Airport, so passengers travelling with Air India have been advised to check their bookings and leave extra time for the journey. The airline will continue to operate 14 weekly flights between Bhogapuram and Delhi, connecting passengers to its domestic and international network through its hubs.
Also Read: After Pilot Tests Positive For Marijuana, Air India Makes Drug-Screening Mandatory For Pilots
Aero Express AC Bus Services Launched
The good thing is, getting to Bhogapuram Airport will be easier, thanks to the Aero Express AC bus services. These buses connect the airport with key locations in the region. The buses will run every 30 minutes, with the first service from Patha Gajuwaka starting at 4:55 AM and the last one departing at 7:45 PM.
According to Deccan Chronicle, fares will start at ₹100, depending on the boarding point. Passengers travelling from Tagarapuvalasa will pay ₹100, while fares from Maarikavalasa, Zoo Park, Gurudwara and Patha Gajuwaka will be ₹150, ₹250, ₹300 and ₹400, respectively.
Also Read: Bhogapuram Airport: Inside Andhra’s New Aviation Hub With An RRR Connection
We hope this information was helpful to you all.
Cover Image Courtesy: website/gmrgroup
FAQs
When did Bhogapuram Airport start commercial operations?
Scheduled commercial flight operations began on August 17, 2026, following the shift from the old Visakhapatnam Airport.
Which airlines operate from Bhogapuram Airport?
Airlines including IndiGo and Air India have shifted their Visakhapatnam services to the new airport.
What is the airport code for Bhogapuram Airport?
The airport uses the VTZ code, which was transferred from the old Visakhapatnam Airport when commercial operations moved to Bhogapuram.
