Indian Navy to Take Over Visakhapatnam Airspace Management from July 2026

The Indian Navy is set to take full command of the Visakhapatnam airspace starting July 9, 2026. This move is part of a significant aviation reorganisation plan aimed at integrating the future Alluri Sitarama Raju Greenfield International Airport into India's eastern Air Traffic Service network.

The Airports Authority of India, through its Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Supplements, has confirmed that the Navy will be the official "Controlling Authority" of the newly restructured airspace surrounding Visakhapatnam.

Even after this reorganisation, civilian Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes that traverse the modified Temporary Reserved Areas will remain accessible for civil aviation planning. However, flights will require operational clearance and must adhere to airspace activation protocols.

Visakhapatnam has a rich history in aviation infrastructure, originally serving as a wartime airstrip for the Royal Air Force during World War II. In 1962, it opened for civilian aviation, with the Indian Navy commencing operations in 1972. The Navy officially took ownership in 1986 and subsequently commissioned the airfield as INS Dega in 1991.

Authorities have highlighted that the increasing overlap between civilian and military flight operations over the years has necessitated this current restructuring, aiming to clearly separate airspace responsibilities.

Under this new arrangement, the Bhogapuram Airport is expected to develop into a high-capacity aviation hub. This will be supported by the establishment of new Bhogapuram Control Areas (CTA-1 to CTA-4) and the installation of the BHZ DVOR/DME navigational facility.

New air traffic service routes such as V40, V50, V63, W32, and W89 have been introduced. Meanwhile, existing corridors like V9, W29, W41, W47, and W90 have been adjusted to optimize traffic flow and bypass sensitive naval operational zones.

The restructuring also involves altering the J26 airway to route through the BHZ beacon towards ENVUK.

As civilian air operations gradually shift to Bhogapuram, the Visakhapatnam Control Areas will fall exclusively under Indian Navy control. The current Temporary Reserved Areas TRA808(A) and TRA808(B) are being phased out, to be replaced by newly designated military-controlled zones including TRA805(C) and TSA803 sectors.

Civilian aircraft planning to enter these zones will now need to obtain explicit clearance from Visakhapatnam Air Traffic Control before proceeding.

Officials have stated that this transition marks a significant move towards balancing the military's operational needs with the expanding civilian aviation demand along India's eastern coastline. It also aims to enhance strategic maritime and aerospace coordination in the Bay of Bengal area.