Visakhapatnam is set for a significant shift in its aviation landscape, as the Indian Navy will assume full control of the city’s airspace from July 9, marking a critical step in the region’s transition toward segregated civil and military aviation operations.
According to recent supplements to the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the move is aligned with the integration of the upcoming Alluri Sitarama Raju Greenfield International Airport at Bhogapuram into India’s eastern Air Traffic Service (ATS) network.
The restructuring aims to streamline airspace management and address longstanding congestion challenges arising from the dual-use nature of Visakhapatnam airport, which has historically handled both civilian and naval operations.
Strategic Shift to Segregated Operations
Under the new framework, the Indian Navy will oversee the restructured Visakhapatnam airspace, while civil aviation activity will gradually transition to the Bhogapuram airport. Civil ATS routes passing through the newly defined Temporary Reserved Areas will remain accessible for flight planning, subject to prior clearance and activation protocols.
Visakhapatnam’s aviation journey dates back to World War II, when it functioned as a Royal Air Force airstrip. Civil aviation operations began in 1962, followed by naval operations in 1972. The airport was formally transferred to the Navy in 1986 and later commissioned as INS Dega in 1991.
Despite infrastructure upgrades—including a new runway in 2007 and a passenger terminal in 2009—the shared-use model has increasingly struggled to keep pace with rising traffic volumes, necessitating a structural overhaul.
Bhogapuram Airport to Anchor Civil Aviation Growth
The upcoming Bhogapuram airport is being developed as a scalable aviation hub, equipped with advanced navigation systems such as the BHZ DVOR/DME and a four-tier airspace design.
A Class D airspace segment, designated CTA-1, will serve as the primary approach control zone, with a base limit of FL155 (approximately 5,500 feet above mean sea level).
In tandem, India’s eastern airway network is undergoing a major redesign. Five new ATS routes—V40, V50, V63, W32, and W89—have been introduced, while several existing routes, including V9, W29, W41, W47, and W90, have been modified. The J26 airway has also been rerouted via the BHZ beacon toward ENVUK to ensure smoother traffic flow while avoiding sensitive naval zones.
Operational Implications for Airlinesmum
As civil operations migrate to Bhogapuram, Visakhapatnam’s control zones will fall under exclusive naval jurisdiction, with new military zones replacing previously designated temporary reserved areas.
Civil aircraft entering these zones will require clearance from Visakhapatnam Air Traffic Control. During non-operational hours at Bhogapuram, airspace management will be handled by the Kolkata or Chennai Area Control Centres, depending on the applicable Flight Information Region.
While cargo infrastructure at Bhogapuram is still under development, key aviation support systems are already in place. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) has established a Jet A1 fuel hydrant and bowser system with a storage capacity of 8,385 kilolitres, ensuring readiness for high-capacity airline operations.
Outlook
The transition marks a pivotal moment for aviation in eastern India, enabling enhanced operational efficiency, improved safety, and greater capacity for civil aviation growth. With Bhogapuram set to emerge as a key gateway, the restructuring is expected to unlock new opportunities for airlines, tourism stakeholders, and regional connectivity.