Commercial flight operations will officially shift from Visakhapatnam Airport to the newly developed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram from August 17, marking a major milestone in Andhra Pradesh's aviation infrastructure.

According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, all commercial services operating from the Civil Enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport (INS Dega) will cease from 00:01 hours on August 17, with operations moving to the new airport in Vizianagaram district.

The transition follows the inauguration of the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 1. Developed at an investment of nearly Rs 4,727 crore, the Greenfield airport has been completed in just 31 months, nearly five months ahead of schedule, making it one of the fastest-completed international Greenfield airports in the country.

The Ministry also announced that the International Air Transport Association (IATA) airport code "VTZ", currently used by Visakhapatnam Airport, will be transferred to the new airport from 00:01 hours on August 17. Additionally, the Bhogapuram Greenfield Airport has officially been renamed Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport with immediate effect.

While commercial flight operations will move entirely to the new airport, the Civil Enclave at Visakhapatnam Airport will remain reserved for national emergencies and aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force, other Armed Forces, police authorities, and special government-owned, leased, or hired VIP aircraft.

The airport has already received its DGCA aerodrome licence, along with all mandatory safety, fire, and environmental clearances, and is ready to begin commercial operations.

In its first phase, the airport has been designed to handle 6 million passengers annually, with a long-term master plan to expand its capacity to 40 million passengers per year.

Spread across 2,703.26 acres, the integrated project includes 2,203.32 acres for the airport, 500 acres for an aviation hub, and 136.63 acres earmarked for an Aviation University and EduCity. The development also features commercial spaces, residential zones, approach roads, and supporting infrastructure.

The airport's 3,800-metre Code-E runway is capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A330, and Airbus A340. It is equipped with advanced airfield lighting, navigation systems, and CNS/ATM infrastructure to support both domestic and international operations.

Passengers will also benefit from modern terminal facilities such as contact boarding bridges, Common Use Passenger Processing System (CUPPS), self-baggage drop, self-service passenger processing, smart surveillance, integrated security systems, and an Integrated Operational Control and Monitoring Centre.

The new airport is expected to play a significant role in strengthening tourism, trade, exports, logistics, industrial investment, and the aerospace and defence sectors across the erstwhile Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, and Srikakulam districts, while enhancing Andhra Pradesh's overall air connectivity.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of Ginger Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. The project is a conversion of a standalone hotel and will be expanded to a 50-key property, further strengthening the company's presence in the state.

Commenting on the signing, Ms. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Sindhudurg is emerging as a sought-after leisure destination on Maharashtra’s Konkan coast, driven by improving connectivity, growing visitor footfall and increasing demand for short stay travel. Its accessibility from key feeder markets like Mumbai, Pune and Goa, along with its scenic coastline, positions the destination for sustained tourism growth. This signing reflects our strategy of expanding the brand’s presence in high-potential destinations and we are happy to partner with Ms. Sawant for this project.”

The upcoming Ginger Sindhudurg will feature an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, and a fully equipped gym. The hotel will also include dedicated meeting rooms and a banquet hall, catering to business meetings, conferences, and social events.

Speaking about the partnership, Mrs. Priyanka Sawant said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to bring the Ginger brand to Sindhudurg. We look forward to working with IHCL and contribute to the destination’s growing tourism appeal.”

Located along Maharashtra's scenic Konkan coastline, Sindhudurg is known for attractions such as Sindhudurg Fort, Sawantwadi Palace, Moti Talav Lake, and the pristine Tarkarli beaches. The destination has been witnessing growing interest from leisure travellers, supported by improved connectivity and increasing tourism.

With this signing, IHCL's portfolio in Maharashtra grows to 66 hotels, including 34 hotels under development, reinforcing the company's expansion strategy across key leisure and business destinations.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced the opening of Hyatt Place Vithalapur, marking the debut of the Hyatt Place brand in Vithalapur, Gujarat. The 108-room hotel becomes the first globally recognized hotel brand in the fast-growing industrial destination, offering modern comfort, convenience, and efficient service for both business and leisure travellers.

Strategically located in one of India's rapidly expanding manufacturing corridors, Hyatt Place Vithalapur is well positioned to cater to the increasing number of corporate travellers visiting the region. With leading global companies, particularly from the automobile sector, strengthening their presence in Vithalapur, the destination continues to emerge as an important centre for industrial growth in India.

Commenting on the opening, Bhuwan Chandra, General Manager, Hyatt Place Vithalapur, said, "As Vithalapur rapidly transforms into a pivotal hub in India’s manufacturing ecosystem, we are excited to introduce Hyatt Place Vithalapur to the market. With this debut, we’re not just opening a hotel, we’re creating a hospitality experience that aligns with the ambitions of the region. Hyatt Place Vithalapur is thoughtfully designed to support the evolving lifestyles of modern business travelers, offering the perfect blend of comfort, connectivity and convenience."

Designed to meet the needs of today's travellers, the hotel offers a range of contemporary guestrooms and suites, including King and Twin rooms, King Deluxe, and Premium rooms, with several rooms featuring private balconies overlooking the swimming pool.

Guests can dine at Zing, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant, which offers a variety of global cuisines along with live kitchen experiences. The property is positioned to serve business travellers, conference delegates, and international guests looking for a comfortable and well-connected stay.

Sharing his thoughts on the launch, Mr. Vijay Maan, Director, Sukhmaa Group, said, “Collaborating with Hyatt for this opening is not just a business milestone, it is a dream taking shape. This relationship is built on a shared vision to bring world-class hospitality to a region that has long deserved global attention. We believe this hotel will not only serve as a premium stay for guests across a variety of travel occasions, but will also spark new energy, pride and opportunity for the local community. With Hyatt’s legacy of excellence and our deep-rooted commitment to this area, we’re creating more than a hotel, we’re creating a landmark that reflects the growth and momentum of Vithalapur.”

With its debut in Vithalapur, Hyatt Place strengthens Hyatt's presence in India's growing industrial markets while providing a modern hospitality option for travellers visiting one of Gujarat's fastest-developing business destinations.