Visakhapatnam, or Vizag as it’s affectionately known, is a stunning coastal city in Andhra Pradesh, often called “The Jewel of the East Coast” or the “City of Destiny.” With its beautiful beaches like RK Beach and Rishikonda, serene Araku Valley nearby, ancient Borra Caves, and a bustling industrial port, Vizag is a magnet for tourists and business travelers alike.
The quickest and most convenient way to reach this vibrant city from afar is by air. Let’s explore everything you need to know about flying into Visakhapatnam.
Your Arrival Point: Visakhapatnam International Airport (VTZ)
- Official Name: Visakhapatnam International Airport
- IATA Code: VTZ
- About the Airport: VTZ is a customs airport that also operates as a civil enclave on an Indian Navy airbase named INS Dega. It’s the busiest airport in Andhra Pradesh and plays a crucial role in connecting the region to the rest of India and some international destinations. The airport has a single integrated terminal building that handles both domestic and international passengers.
- Location: The airport is conveniently located about 7-10 kilometers from the city center, making transfers relatively quick.
Airlines Operating at Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)
Several domestic and international airlines connect Visakhapatnam to various destinations. The primary ones include:
- Domestic Carriers:
- IndiGo
- Air India
- Air India Express
- SpiceJet
- Akasa Air
- Vistara (often through codeshares)
- IndiaOne Air (for some regional routes like Jeypore)
- International Carriers:
- Scoot (for Singapore)
- Air India Express (also operates some short-haul international routes)
- Other international airlines might have codeshare agreements.
Flying to Vizag: Popular Routes, Timings, and Price Insights
Flight schedules and prices are highly dynamic. They change based on the airline, time of booking, season, day of the week, and demand. The timings and prices mentioned below are indicative and for general guidance only. Always check with airlines or reputable online travel agencies (OTAs) for the latest information.
Major Domestic Flight Routes to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- From Hyderabad (HYD) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air are major operators.
- Frequency: Very high, multiple flights daily.
- Approx. Flight Duration: 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes (non-stop).
- Approx. One-Way Price Range: ₹2,500 – ₹6,000+ (can vary greatly).
- Typical Timings: Flights are available throughout the day, from early morning to late evening.
- From Bengaluru (BLR) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air are prominent.
- Frequency: Multiple flights daily.
- Approx. Flight Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (non-stop).
- Approx. One-Way Price Range: ₹3,000 – ₹7,000+.
- Typical Timings: Good spread of flights across the day.
- From Chennai (MAA) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- Airlines: IndiGo is a key operator.
- Frequency: Several flights daily.
- Approx. Flight Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes (non-stop).
- Approx. One-Way Price Range: ₹3,000 – ₹6,500+.
- Typical Timings: Morning, afternoon, and evening options are usually available.
- From New Delhi (DEL) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express.
- Frequency: Several direct flights daily, plus connecting options.
- Approx. Flight Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (non-stop).
- Approx. One-Way Price Range: ₹4,500 – ₹9,000+ (direct flights tend to be pricier if not booked in advance).
- Typical Timings: Flights are usually available in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
- From Kolkata (CCU) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- Airlines: IndiGo is a primary operator.
- Frequency: Daily direct flights.
- Approx. Flight Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (non-stop).
- Approx. One-Way Price Range: ₹3,500 – ₹7,000+.
- Typical Timings: Usually, options in the morning and afternoon/evening.
- From Mumbai (BOM) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India.
- Frequency: Daily direct flights available.
- Approx. Flight Duration: Around 2 hours to 2 hours 20 minutes (non-stop).
- Approx. One-Way Price Range: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000+.
- Typical Timings: Morning and evening departures are common.
- From Vijayawada (VGA) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- Airlines: IndiGo, Air India Express.
- Frequency: Daily flights.
- Approx. Flight Duration: Around 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Approx. One-Way Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹5,000+.
- Typical Timings: Often morning or evening options.
International Flight Routes (Direct or with Easy Connections):
- From Singapore (SIN) to Visakhapatnam (VTZ):
- Airlines: Scoot operates direct flights.
- Frequency: Several times a week.
- Approx. Flight Duration: Around 4 hours to 4 hours 30 minutes (non-stop).
- Approx. One-Way Price Range: Highly variable, check with the airline. Can range from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000+ depending on booking time and season.
- Typical Timings: Often late night or early morning arrivals/departures.
- From Kuala Lumpur (KUL) & Bangkok (DMK):
- Direct flights by airlines like AirAsia X or Malindo Air have operated in the past or might resume. Currently, common connections are via Singapore, Chennai, or Hyderabad.
- Direct flights by airlines like AirAsia X or Malindo Air have operated in the past or might resume. Currently, common connections are via Singapore, Chennai, or Hyderabad.
- From Dubai (DXB) and other Middle Eastern Hubs:
- Usually connected via major Indian cities like Hyderabad, Mumbai, or Delhi.
How to Get the Best Deals on Flights to Vizag:
- Book in Advance: Especially for domestic travel, booking 4-6 weeks ahead can often get you better prices. For international, book a few months prior.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) is often cheaper than on weekends. Use fare calendars on airline/OTA websites to see price variations.
- Compare Prices: Use flight comparison websites (Skyscanner, Kayak, Google Flights, MakeMyTrip, Yatra, EaseMyTrip, etc.) to compare fares across different airlines for the same route.
- Check Airline Websites Directly: Sometimes airlines offer exclusive deals or lower fares on their own websites.
- Look for Sales and Promotions: Airlines often have seasonal sales or promotional offers. Sign up for newsletters to stay informed.
- Consider LCCs: Low-Cost Carriers (like IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, Air India Express) generally offer more competitive fares but may charge extra for services like check-in baggage, seat selection, and meals.
- Fly During Off-Peak Hours: Early morning or late-night flights might be cheaper.
At Visakhapatnam Airport: Facilities & Services
Visakhapatnam Airport is equipped with essential facilities for travelers:
- Baggage Services: Baggage trolleys, lost and found counters.
- Food & Beverages: Snack bars, cafes, and restaurants are available.
- Shopping: Some retail outlets, including TR Stall, dry fruit shops, and garment stores. Duty-free shops are available in the international section.
- Lounges: VIP lounges and possibly pay-per-use lounges (like the Airr Lounge and Bar mentioned in some contexts) for relaxation.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi (often for a limited duration).
- Money: ATMs and currency exchange counters.
- Special Assistance: Facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, childcare rooms.
- Medical Aid: Medical assistance units (e.g., Apollo Healthcare) are available.
- Other: Self-check-in kiosks, postal services, smoking lounges.
Getting to and from Visakhapatnam Airport:
- Taxis: Prepaid taxis and app-based cab services (like Ola and Uber) are readily available outside the terminal for a comfortable ride to the city.
- Auto-rickshaws: A more budget-friendly option for shorter distances, available outside the airport.
- Buses (APSRTC): Public buses connect the airport to various parts of the city and surrounding areas. This is the most economical option.
- Car Rentals: Car rental kiosks can be found at the airport if you prefer to drive yourself.
Flying to Visakhapatnam offers a quick and easy start to your coastal adventure or business trip. With a little planning, you can find convenient flights to suit your schedule and budget.
Have a wonderful trip to the City of Destiny!
