The Indian Navy is set to take over complete control of the restructured airspace around Visakhapatnam starting on July 9, 2026. This development is part of a significant aviation reorganization linked to the integration of the forthcoming Alluri Sitarama Raju Greenfield International Airport into India’s eastern Air Traffic Service network.
As outlined in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Supplements from the Airports Authority of India, the Navy will serve as the designated “Controlling Authority” for the newly restructured airspace in the Visakhapatnam area.
Notably, while this restructuring will occur, existing civilian air traffic service (ATS) routes that traverse the reorganized Temporary Reserved Areas will remain accessible for civil flight planning. This access will still hinge on receiving operational clearance and adhering to activation protocols for the airspace.
The historical significance of Visakhapatnam’s aviation infrastructure cannot be understated. Originally utilized as a wartime airstrip by the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, the airfield transitioned to civilian aviation in 1962. The Indian Navy commenced operations there in 1972, fully taking ownership in 1986. In 1991, it officially designated the site as INS Dega.
Officials highlighted that the increasing congestion between military and civilian flight operations over the years prompted the need for both restructuring and a clearer delineation of airspace responsibilities.
This new framework introduces the Bhogapuram Airport, which is poised to operate as a scalable high-capacity aviation hub. It will feature newly established Bhogapuram Control Areas, labeled as CTA-1 through CTA-4, as well as the implementation of the BHZ DVOR/DME navigational facility.
The airspace restructuring also involves the introduction of several new air traffic service routes, including V40, V50, V63, W32, and W89. Simultaneously, key existing corridors like V9, W29, W41, W47, and W90 will be modified to optimize traffic flow and steer clear of sensitive naval operational zones.
Additionally, the J26 airway will be rerouted via the BHZ beacon towards ENVUK. As civilian operations begin to transition to the new Bhogapuram facility, the Visakhapatnam Control Areas will fall under exclusive jurisdiction of the Indian Navy. Existing Temporary Reserved Areas TRA808(A) and TRA808(B) will be withdrawn in favor of new military-controlled zones, specifically TRA805(C) and TSA803 sectors.
From this point onward, civilian aircraft entering these designated sectors will be required to obtain positive clearance from Visakhapatnam Air Traffic Control prior to transit.
Officials remarked that this transition signifies a substantial advancement in balancing military operational demands with the rising needs of civilian aviation along India’s eastern coastline. It is expected to strengthen strategic maritime and aerospace coordination in the Bay of Bengal region, marking an important milestone in India’s aviation landscape.
