Bhogapuram Airport to Get Visakhapatnam City Identification

In an important development for air travellers in North Andhra Pradesh, Bhogapuram's Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport is set to appear as Visakhapatnam in global airline booking systems from November 21, 2026.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is introducing the city-name update to make it easier for domestic and international passengers to identify the airport when searching for flights to Visakhapatnam.

The change follows concerns that passengers unfamiliar with the region could become confused when booking flights because the new airport is physically located in Bhogapuram, while it primarily serves Visakhapatnam.

Airport Code VTZ Will Remain Unchanged

The update concerns the city name displayed in booking platforms and global distribution systems. The airport will continue using the IATA code VTZ, which was transferred from the former Visakhapatnam airport when commercial flight operations shifted to Bhogapuram on August 17, 2026.

The airport's official name will also remain Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport. Its physical location in Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, will not change.

Why the Change Matters for Passengers

The new airport is located approximately 45 kilometres from Visakhapatnam city. Displaying the destination as Visakhapatnam is expected to make flight searches more straightforward, particularly for passengers travelling from other Indian cities and overseas destinations.

The change is intended to reduce ambiguity during ticket booking and improve the airport's identification with the major city it serves.

A New Identity for Visakhapatnam's Aviation Connectivity

The move comes after commercial aviation operations shifted from the former Visakhapatnam airport to the new greenfield facility at Bhogapuram. The airport is expected to play an important role in strengthening connectivity, tourism, trade and investment across North Andhra Pradesh.

From November 21, passengers searching for Visakhapatnam flights through participating global booking systems are expected to see the new airport listed under the familiar city name.