Shimoga Airport, officially known as Shivamogga Airport and also associated with the name Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport, is the main airport serving Shivamogga and the surrounding Malnad region of Karnataka.
The airport has significantly improved air connectivity for Shivamogga, making the district more accessible for business travellers, tourists, students, medical visitors and people travelling between Karnataka and other parts of India.
The airport is located at Sogane, outside Shivamogga city, and its airport codes are RQY (IATA) and VOSH (ICAO). The Airports Authority of India’s aeronautical information identifies the airport as Shivamogga Airport, Shivamogga.
Because airline routes and operating schedules can change, flight information should always be verified with the airline or official airport-related sources before travelling.
What Is Shimoga Airport?
Shimoga Airport is the domestic airport serving Shivamogga city and the wider Shivamogga district.
Although many people continue to search for it as Shimoga Airport, the city’s official name is Shivamogga, and the airport is generally referred to as Shivamogga Airport.
It is also known as Kuvempu Airport, after Rashtrakavi Kuvempu, the renowned Kannada poet and Jnanpith award recipient who was born in the Shivamogga region.
The airport was inaugurated on 27 February 2023, while commercial passenger operations began on 31 August 2023 with a Bengaluru–Shivamogga flight.
The airport was developed as an important regional aviation project intended to improve connectivity to Shivamogga and the Malnad region.
Shimoga Airport Name
There are several names people use when searching for the airport:
- Shimoga Airport
- Shivamogga Airport
- Kuvempu Airport
- Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport
- Shivamogga Kuvempu Airport
- RQY Airport
- VOSH Airport
For flight bookings, the airport’s IATA code is RQY.
The Airports Authority of India’s aeronautical information lists VOSH as the ICAO location indicator for Shivamogga Airport.
Shimoga Airport Location
Shivamogga Airport is located at Sogane, in Shivamogga district, Karnataka.
The airport is southeast of central Shivamogga. India’s official aeronautical information gives the airport’s position as approximately 5.4 nautical miles southeast of Shivamogga city.
The Shivamogga district government website describes the airport as approximately 9 km from the heart of the city.
Different sources can show slightly different distances because the measurement may be taken from different points in the city.
Airport Location
Shivamogga Airport
Sogane
Shivamogga District
Karnataka, India
IATA Code: RQY
ICAO Code: VOSH
How Far Is Shimoga Airport From Shivamogga City?
The airport is relatively close to Shivamogga.
The Shivamogga district administration states that the airport is approximately 9 km from the heart of Shivamogga city.
The actual road distance and travel time can vary depending on the part of the city from which you start.
For someone staying in central Shivamogga, the airport is considerably more convenient than travelling several hours to a larger airport in another city.
Shimoga Airport Terminal
The passenger terminal is one of the most recognizable features of Shivamogga Airport.
The terminal was designed with a distinctive lotus-inspired form, giving the airport a different architectural identity from many conventional regional airports in India.
The airport project was developed at a cost of around ₹450 crore, and reports at the time of inauguration stated that the passenger terminal could handle approximately 300 passengers per hour.
The airport was designed as a modern regional aviation facility rather than simply a small airstrip.
Shimoga Airport Runway
Shivamogga Airport has a 3,200-metre runway.
The runway is one of the significant infrastructure features of the airport and provides the facility with substantial runway length for a regional airport.
The airport’s operational and aeronautical information is published through India’s official aviation information system.
Flights From Shimoga Airport
Shivamogga Airport currently operates domestic passenger services.
Current route information available in August 2026 shows direct connectivity from Shivamogga to:
- Goa — Mopa
- Hyderabad
- Tirupati
Current route databases list Star Air as the carrier operating these direct routes.
However, this is one section of the article that should be treated as changeable information.
Airlines can add, suspend, restore or modify routes depending on demand, season, aircraft availability and regulatory or commercial decisions.
For that reason, travellers should verify the route for their exact travel date before booking.
Shimoga to Goa Flights
Direct flights connect Shivamogga with Goa’s Manohar International Airport at Mopa (GOX).
Star Air’s current published schedule shows the Shivamogga–Goa route, with the schedule subject to the airline’s stated operating period.
This route is particularly useful for travellers from Shivamogga who want to reach Goa without first travelling by road to another major airport.
Shimoga to Hyderabad Flights
Hyderabad is another direct destination from Shivamogga Airport.
The current Star Air schedule lists a direct Hyderabad–Shivamogga service, while current route information also identifies Hyderabad as one of the airport’s three direct destinations.
Hyderabad can also function as a useful connecting point for travellers whose final destination is not directly served from Shivamogga.
Shimoga to Tirupati Flights
Shivamogga Airport also has direct connectivity with Tirupati.
This is particularly useful for pilgrims and travellers visiting the Tirumala–Tirupati region.
Star Air describes the Shivamogga–Tirupati service as a direct connection between the two cities.
Does Shimoga Airport Have Direct Flights to Bangalore?
This is an important search query because Bengaluru is one of the most important travel destinations from Shivamogga.
Commercial flight operations at Shivamogga began with a direct Bengaluru connection in August 2023.
However, routes can change over time. In June 2026, reporting indicated that the Bengaluru–Shivamogga route had been suspended, with a request made for its restoration under the UDAN scheme.
Therefore, travellers should not assume that a Bengaluru flight is operating simply because the route existed previously.
Check the latest airline schedule for the intended date before making travel arrangements.
Shimoga Airport International Flights
Shivamogga Airport is a domestic airport.
Current route information lists domestic destinations and no scheduled international passenger routes from Shivamogga.
Travellers heading abroad generally need to connect through another airport with international services.
Possible connecting airports depend on the destination and available airline schedules.
Major Airports Near Shivamogga
If your required destination is not available directly from Shivamogga, other airports can be considered.
1. Mangalore International Airport
Mangalore is one of the important alternative airports for travellers from Shivamogga.
The Shivamogga district government specifically identifies Mangalore International Airport as the nearest major airport option for the city and notes its broader domestic and international connectivity.
2. Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport is another major alternative.
It has a much larger network of domestic and international destinations and can be useful when a suitable direct or connecting flight is unavailable from Shivamogga.
The Shivamogga district administration also identifies Bengaluru airport as an alternative for travellers.
3. Hubballi Airport
Hubballi Airport can also be considered depending on the destination and current flight network.
The best alternative depends on the destination, ticket price, road journey and available flight schedule.
Why Was Shimoga Airport Built?
The airport was developed to improve air connectivity to Shivamogga and the surrounding Malnad region.
Before the airport became operational, travellers from Shivamogga commonly depended on larger airports in places such as Mangaluru and Bengaluru.
The new airport created the possibility of beginning or ending a journey much closer to Shivamogga.
The Government of India’s announcement around the airport’s inauguration highlighted the broader importance of improved air connectivity for regional development and employment.
History of Shimoga Airport
The Shivamogga airport project had been discussed for many years before construction finally began.
The foundation stone for the current project was laid in June 2020.
The first phase was subsequently inaugurated in February 2023.
Commercial passenger operations began later that year, on 31 August 2023, when the first scheduled passenger flight arrived from Bengaluru.
The airport therefore represents a major change in the transportation infrastructure of Shivamogga.
Who Is Kuvempu?
The airport’s name connects it directly with one of Karnataka’s most important literary figures.
Kuvempu, whose full name was Kuppali Venkatappa Puttappa, was a celebrated Kannada poet, writer and recipient of the Jnanpith Award.
He was born in the Shivamogga region and is strongly associated with Karnataka’s literary and cultural identity.
Naming the airport after Kuvempu gives the facility a distinctive connection to the cultural history of the region.
Why Shimoga Airport Is Important for Tourism
Air connectivity is particularly relevant to Shivamogga because the district contains a large number of tourism destinations.
Visitors can use Shivamogga as a base for exploring places such as:
- Jog Falls
- Agumbe
- Thirthahalli
- Sagara
- Sakrebailu
- Mandagadde
- Kundadri
- Kodachadri
- Hosanagara
- Sharavathi Valley
Improved air connectivity can reduce the time required for travellers coming from cities outside Karnataka.
For tourism businesses, hotels, restaurants, travel operators and local attractions, the airport also creates an additional route for reaching the Malnad region.
Shimoga Airport for Business Travellers
The airport is also important for business travel.
Shivamogga has a growing network of:
- Manufacturing businesses
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare facilities
- Retail businesses
- Construction companies
- Agriculture-related industries
- Service businesses
A local airport makes short business trips more practical for travellers who would otherwise need to use an airport in another city and then continue by road.
Shimoga Airport for Medical Travel
Shivamogga is an important healthcare centre for central Karnataka and the Malnad region.
Patients, relatives and healthcare professionals travelling to Shivamogga can potentially benefit from air connectivity when a suitable flight is available.
Major healthcare institutions in the city include government and private hospitals, making the airport relevant to medical travel as well as tourism and business.
Shimoga Airport to City Transport
After arriving at Shivamogga Airport, travellers need to continue into the city or onward to another destination.
Common options include:
- Taxi
- App-based or pre-booked cab where available
- Private vehicle
- Rental vehicle
- Hotel-arranged transport
Because local transport availability and fares can change, travellers should confirm the current options before arrival.
The airport’s relatively short distance from central Shivamogga makes road transfer into the city practical.
Can You Reach Tourist Places Directly From Shimoga Airport?
The airport is primarily an entry point into the Shivamogga region rather than a tourist attraction itself.
Travellers arriving by air can continue by road toward destinations such as:
Shivamogga city → Thirthahalli → Agumbe
or
Shivamogga city → Sagara → Jog Falls
or
Shivamogga city → Hosanagara → Western Ghats destinations
Travel times vary significantly depending on the destination and road conditions.
For remote locations, arranging transportation in advance is often more practical than depending on local public transport after landing.
Is Shimoga Airport Open Every Day?
The airport’s actual operating and air-traffic service arrangements can depend on aviation requirements and current operational notices.
The Airports Authority of India’s aeronautical information states specific aerodrome operating information and directs users to current NOTAMs for applicable air traffic service hours.
Passengers should therefore rely on current flight confirmation rather than assuming that every airport service operates continuously.
Shimoga Airport Flight Timings
Flight timings are not permanent information.
Airline schedules can change because of:
- Seasonal schedules
- Aircraft availability
- Route changes
- Operational requirements
- Weather
- Airline decisions
- Airport restrictions
For this reason, this article intentionally does not treat a particular departure or arrival time as permanent.
Before travelling, check the latest schedule directly with the operating airline and verify the flight status for your travel date.
Star Air publishes its current flight schedule on its official website.
How to Check Shimoga Airport Flight Status
For the most reliable information, check:
- Your airline’s official website or app.
- Your booking confirmation.
- The airport’s current operational information.
- Current aviation notices where relevant.
For Star Air-operated routes, the airline’s official schedule provides current route and operating information.
Do not rely on an old blog article, social-media post or third-party timetable for a time-sensitive flight.
Shimoga Airport Facilities
As a modern regional passenger airport, the facility includes the basic infrastructure required for scheduled domestic air travel.
Depending on the current operational arrangement, passengers can expect facilities associated with:
- Passenger check-in
- Security screening
- Departure area
- Arrival area
- Baggage handling
- Seating
- Passenger information
- Airport access and parking
Specific facilities, counters and services can change as airport operations develop.
Shimoga Airport Parking
Passengers arriving by private vehicle can use the airport’s designated vehicle areas.
Parking arrangements and charges may change, so the current airport information should be checked before travelling.
For longer trips, travellers should also consider whether a taxi or pre-arranged airport transfer is more convenient.
Shimoga Airport Code
The airport codes are:
IATA: RQY
ICAO: VOSH
The IATA code RQY is particularly important when searching for flights or entering the airport into airline booking systems.
Shimoga Airport Address
The airport is located at:
Shivamogga Airport
Sogane
Shivamogga District
Karnataka, India
The airport is situated southeast of Shivamogga city. Official aeronautical information identifies its coordinates and location relative to Shivamogga.
Is Shimoga Airport the Same as Kuvempu Airport?
Yes.
Shivamogga Airport and Kuvempu Airport refer to the same airport.
The airport is associated with the name Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport, while people commonly continue to use “Shimoga Airport” in everyday speech and online searches.
Is Shimoga Airport the Same as Sogane Airport?
The airport is located at Sogane, which is why people may sometimes refer to it informally as Sogane Airport.
The formal airport name used in India’s aeronautical information is Shivamogga Airport.
Best Way to Book Flights From Shimoga
The safest approach is to compare the available routes for your exact travel date and then book through the airline or a reputable booking platform.
Before paying, check:
- Departure airport
- Arrival airport
- Travel date
- Baggage allowance
- Number of stops
- Cancellation rules
- Change fees
- Final fare
- Flight operating status
Flight availability from Shivamogga can change, so a route shown on an older webpage may no longer operate.
Important: Check Official Flight Information Before Travelling
Airport information is more time-sensitive than most travel-guide information.
Routes, airlines and flight schedules can change without a website article being immediately updated.
For current information, check the official airline schedule and relevant aviation information before leaving for the airport.
Star Air Official Flight Schedule
The Government of Karnataka’s Shivamogga district website also maintains information about how to reach the city and its airport connectivity.
For operational aviation information, India’s official Aeronautical Information Management system publishes aerodrome information and current notices.
Shimoga Airport FAQs
What is the name of Shimoga Airport?
The airport is officially known as Shivamogga Airport and is also known as Kuvempu Airport / Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport.
What is the Shimoga Airport code?
The IATA code is RQY and the ICAO code is VOSH.
Where is Shimoga Airport located?
It is located at Sogane in Shivamogga district, Karnataka, southeast of Shivamogga city.
How far is Shimoga Airport from the city?
The Shivamogga district government describes it as approximately 9 km from the heart of the city.
When did Shimoga Airport start commercial flights?
Commercial passenger operations began on 31 August 2023, with a Bengaluru–Shivamogga flight.
Which flights operate from Shimoga Airport?
Current route information lists direct domestic connectivity to Goa, Hyderabad and Tirupati, operated by Star Air.
Does Shimoga Airport have international flights?
No scheduled international passenger routes are currently listed. The airport currently operates as a domestic airport.
Does Shimoga Airport have a flight to Bengaluru?
A Bengaluru connection operated when commercial services began, but the route has subsequently changed. In June 2026, reports said the Bengaluru–Shivamogga service had been suspended and efforts were being made to restore it.
Check the current airline schedule before booking.
Which airport is closest to Shimoga?
The Shivamogga district government’s travel information identifies Mangalore International Airport as the nearest major airport option and also mentions Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport as an alternative.
Is Kuvempu Airport and Shivamogga Airport the same?
Yes. Kuvempu Airport refers to Shivamogga Airport.
Can tourists use Shimoga Airport to visit Jog Falls?
Yes. Travellers can arrive at Shivamogga Airport and continue by road to Jog Falls and other destinations in the district. The airport is an entry point for exploring Shivamogga rather than being located at the tourist attractions themselves.
Can flight timings change?
Yes. Flight timings, frequencies and routes can change. Always check the current airline schedule and flight status before travelling.
Conclusion
Shimoga Airport, officially Shivamogga Airport, has become an important part of the region’s transport infrastructure.
Located at Sogane, roughly 9 km from the heart of Shivamogga, the airport provides a much closer air-travel option for people visiting the city and surrounding Malnad region.
The airport began commercial operations in August 2023 and currently has direct domestic connectivity including Goa, Hyderabad and Tirupati, although airline routes and schedules are subject to change.
For travellers, the most important details are:
Airport: Shivamogga Airport
Common Name: Shimoga Airport / Kuvempu Airport
Location: Sogane, Shivamogga, Karnataka
IATA: RQY
ICAO: VOSH
Distance from central Shivamogga: Approximately 9 km
Current scheduled network: Domestic
Current direct destinations: Goa, Hyderabad and Tirupati, subject to schedule changes
For exact flight timings, operating days, route availability and flight status, always verify the information with the airline or official aviation sources immediately before travelling.
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