Visakhapatnam International Airport operations closed

Visakhapatnam International Airport: Flight 6E2018 operated by IndiGo to Delhi took off from the Visakhapatnam International Airport at 10.45 pm on Sunday (16 August 2026) put an end to six decades of commercial aviation operations from the city of destiny Visakhapatnam. As per the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s Gazette notification issued on July 28, the VTZ code, the VTZ code and scheduled airline operations moved about 50 km north to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district from 12.01 am on Monday (17 August 2026). However, the Civil Enclave at INS Dega will continue to handle non-scheduled commercial operations, including charter and private flights as a General Aviation Terminal is placed for such operations.

Now, the commercial operation at Alluri Seetharama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram have commenced with the landing of the flight 6E 6408 operated by IndiGo from Hyderabad at 6:45 AM on Monday. Therefore, the GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL) authorities gave ceremonial water cannon salute, celebrating the start of a new chapter in regional aviation to the first flight IndiGo as well as first arrivals of the other airlines for the day Air India Express, Air India, Indigo, Scoot, and India One. With a planned 52 air traffic movements (ATMs) on day one, the airport buzzed with activity, marking a vibrant start to its operational journey.

Speaking on announcing the conclusion of commercial services, Airport Director N Purushottam thanked the Indian Navy, CISF, airlines, ground-handling agencies, regulatory authorities, concessionaires and employees for their contribution to the airport’s operations over the years.

Royal Air Force airfield during World War II becomes Visakhapatnam International Airport

Visakhapatnam International Airport: The airport began as a Royal Air Force airfield during World War II. The Indian Navy developed the facility into INS Dega and later launched the commercial aviation operations. Over the years, it expanded its domestic network and introduced international services to destinations such as Dubai, Singapore and Bangkok. Connections to Colombo and Kuala Lumpur were also facilitated. The airport also played a role in cargo movement, including seafood and shrimp exports.

The transition of commercial aviation facility from Visakhapatnam to Bhogapuram marks more than a change of airport. For generations, the Visakhapatnam airport was part of the city’s growth and everyday life. It was where journeys began, families reunited and many took their first flight.

Airport shift leaves concerns among nearly 800 outsourced employees

Visakhapatnam International Airport: Now, the transition has raised concerns among nearly 800 outsourced employees, including porters, ground staff and housekeeping workers. Housekeeping workers, most of them women, are among the worst affected. Workers said around 140 employees may find it difficult to continue because of the longer commute to the new ASR International Airport in Bhogapuram of Vizianagaram district. They also raised concerns over lower wages to bear the travel expenses from their home to Bhogapuram.

Speaking to media, Laxmi, a porter at the airport said, “I have been working in this airport from the past 10 years. We were like a family here. Four out of our 24 porters have found jobs at the new airport, while the rest of us are uncertain. Travelling to Bhogapuram every day will be difficult. Our minimum wage here was around Rs 18,000. At Bhogapuram, we are being offered nearly Rs 15,000, while our travel expenses will increase.

Also Read: Commercial operations take off at Bhogapuram Airport