Travellers planning to book flights from UAE to Visakhapatnam should be aware of an important airport change that may affect their upcoming journeys. From 17 August 2026, commercial flight operations serving Visakhapatnam are scheduled to move from the existing Visakhapatnam Airport to the new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram.
This update is especially important for passengers travelling from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah to Visakhapatnam. Since the new airport is outside Visakhapatnam city, travellers will need to consider airport transfers, pickup arrangements and additional road travel time. Therefore, checking your airport details before travelling will help you enjoy a smoother journey.
Quick Highlights –
- Commercial flights shift to Bhogapuram from 17 August 2026
- The new airport is Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport
- The airport will continue to serve the Visakhapatnam region
- The airport code VTZ is being used for the new facility
- Bhogapuram Airport is around 50 km from Visakhapatnam city centre
- UAE passengers should confirm airport details before travelling
- Extra time should be planned for airport transfers and pickups
1. What Is Changing at Visakhapatnam Airport?
Visakhapatnam has traditionally been served by the existing airport located closer to the city. However, scheduled commercial flight operations are now being moved to the newly developed international airport at Bhogapuram.
From 17 August 2026, passengers travelling to or from Visakhapatnam should expect their commercial flights to operate through the new airport. Therefore, travellers who frequently visit Visakhapatnam should avoid automatically heading to the old airport based on previous journeys.
Moreover, passengers with existing bookings should check their latest airline notifications before departure. Flight schedules may remain similar, but the airport location will be different. As a result, checking your booking confirmation is particularly important during the transition period.
2. Where Is the New Bhogapuram Airport?
The new Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is located at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district. It is approximately 50 km from Visakhapatnam city centre, which means passengers may need more time to travel between the airport and the city than before.
Therefore, travellers arriving from the UAE should plan their local transportation before departure. This is especially useful if family members, friends, hotel representatives or taxi drivers are arranging an airport pickup.
Before travelling, consider the following :
- Check the distance from the airport to your final destination
- Arrange your taxi or airport transfer in advance
- Inform family members about the new airport location
- Consider traffic conditions while planning pickup times
- Allow additional travel time when returning to the airport
Planning ahead can reduce confusion and make your arrival in Visakhapatnam much easier. Additionally, knowing the new airport location in advance can help travellers manage their schedules more effectively. With transportation arranged beforehand and enough time kept for the longer road journey.
3. What UAE Travellers Need to Know
The airport change is particularly relevant for people planning UAE to Visakhapatnam flights, including passengers travelling for family visits, holidays, business trips and other purposes. Checking the latest airport updates before booking can help UAE travellers avoid unexpected changes to their travel plans.
If you are travelling from Dubai, Sharjah or Abu Dhabi, carefully review your flight ticket and airline notification before starting your journey. Although your booking may continue to display Visakhapatnam as the destination, your arrival airport will be the new facility at Bhogapuram once operations move.
Similarly, passengers planning their return journey to the UAE should allow enough time to reach Bhogapuram Airport. Because the airport is farther from central Visakhapatnam, leaving home at the same time as you did for the old airport may not provide enough travel time. Moreover, confirming the airport details in advance can prevent confusion when arranging pickups, transfers or onward journeys.
Tip: Always reconfirm your departure and arrival airport with the airline before travelling, especially during the transition to the new airport.
4. Will the Visakhapatnam Airport Code Change?
Passengers may wonder whether the airport change will also mean a new airport code. However, the IATA code VTZ, which is currently associated with Visakhapatnam, is expected to continue being used for passenger bookings after commercial operations shift to Bhogapuram.
Therefore, UAE travellers booking flights to Visakhapatnam may still see VTZ mentioned on their flight tickets, airline websites and booking confirmations. Even though the code remains familiar, passengers should remember that flights will operate from the new airport at Bhogapuram once the transition takes place.
Meanwhile, the Airports Authority of India identifies Bhogapuram International Airport with the ICAO location indicator VOVI, which is mainly used for aviation operations rather than regular passenger bookings. As a result, travellers should focus on the airport name and location rather than relying only on the airport code.
Tip: Always check the airport name and location on your latest airline confirmation before travelling, even if your ticket continues to show VTZ.
5. How to Prepare Before Your Flight
Whether you are travelling from the UAE to India or returning from Visakhapatnam to the UAE, a little preparation can make the airport transition easier. Before travelling, it is also helpful to keep your booking details, identification documents and airline contact information easily accessible.
This way, if there is any last-minute update regarding the airport, terminal or flight schedule, you can respond quickly and avoid unnecessary delays.
Before your journey :
- Recheck your flight itinerary
- Confirm the airport name with your airline
- Check your flight departure or arrival time
- Monitor airline SMS and email notifications
- Arrange transportation to or from Bhogapuram
- Allow extra road travel time
- Reach the airport well before check-in closes
Additionally, travellers booking flights from UAE to India for dates around 17 August should pay special attention to their itinerary. Airport information can be updated as airlines complete the operational transition.
6. Why Is Visakhapatnam Moving to Bhogapuram? in India
The new airport has been developed as a greenfield international airport to support the growing aviation requirements of Visakhapatnam and North Andhra Pradesh. The existing Visakhapatnam Airport operates alongside the Indian Navy’s INS Dega, whereas Bhogapuram offers a dedicated facility with greater potential for future expansion.
Furthermore, the new airport is expected to strengthen regional connectivity and support future growth in tourism, business and international travel. Consequently, passengers may benefit from improved infrastructure and greater aviation capacity as the airport develops.
For UAE travellers, stronger connectivity could also make journeys between the Gulf and Andhra Pradesh more convenient over time. Additionally, this may create more opportunities for new routes, increased flight frequencies and smoother travel options for passengers flying between the UAE and Visakhapatnam.
What UAE Travellers Should Remember
The shift to Bhogapuram marks an important change for anyone travelling between the UAE and Visakhapatnam. While the destination remains the same, the airport location changes from 17 August 2026. Therefore, passengers should check their latest booking information instead of relying on previous travel experience.
Most importantly, confirm your airport, arrange transportation early and allow additional road travel time. Whether you are booking Dubai to Visakhapatnam flights, travelling from another UAE emirate or returning to the UAE, careful planning will help make your journey through the new airport smooth and stress-free.
