RQY · medium airport

Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport

Shimoga, India

Airports

RQYmedium airport

Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport

Shimoga, India

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Gateway to Shimoga in the heart of Karnataka.

Location

Shimoga, India

Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport, designated with IATA code RQY and ICAO code VOSH, is a domestic airport serving Shimoga (also known as Shivamogga), a city in the central Karnataka region of India. The airport is named in honor of K. V. Puttappa, the celebrated Kannada poet and novelist widely known by his pen name Kuvempu, who was a native of the Shimoga district. The airport underwent significant upgrades and expansion as part of efforts to improve air connectivity to Tier-2 cities in India under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme. It has handled limited scheduled domestic services connecting Shimoga to major Indian cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai. The facility is managed under the jurisdiction of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and serves a region known for its lush forests, the Jog Falls, and growing industrial activity. Operations have historically been intermittent, dependent on airline schedules and demand.

Terminals

The airport has a single terminal building designed to handle domestic passenger traffic on a modest scale.

Getting to & from

Taxis and auto-rickshaws are the primary modes of ground transport connecting the airport to Shimoga city center.

Airlines here

Services have been operated by carriers including Alliance Air and Star Air under India's UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

Notable facts

›Named after renowned Kannada poet K. V. Puttappa, known by his pen name Kuvempu.
›Operates under India's UDAN regional air connectivity scheme to link Tier-2 cities.
›Managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
›Serves as a gateway to tourist attractions including the Jog Falls and Kudremukh National Park.
›Scheduled services have been intermittent, reflecting the developing nature of regional air travel in the area.

Wikipedia

This profile is provided for general information only. Details may be inaccurate or outdated — always verify with the airport's official website before acting on them.

Gateway to the Malnad hills where the Western Ghats meet the sky

Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport, named after the celebrated Kannada poet Kuvempu, serves Shimoga (Shivamogga), a city in the heart of Karnataka's lush Malnad region. The airport was revived and upgraded under India's UDAN regional connectivity scheme, with commercial operations resuming in 2021 to improve air access to this historically underserved area. It plays a growing role in linking Shimoga to major Indian cities, reducing travel time for residents and tourists exploring the Jog Falls and surrounding forest zones.

Terminals

Terminal 1 — A compact single-terminal building handling all domestic arrivals and departures with basic passenger amenities.

Ground Transport

Pre-paid taxis and app-based cabs available outside the terminal
Auto-rickshaws to Shimoga city centre
Private car hire arranged through local travel agencies
Hotel shuttle services from select properties in Shimoga

Nearby Hotels

Hotel Woodlands Shimoga
Tunga International Hotel
Hotel Aishwarya Residency
Hotel Megha Shimoga

Dining

In-terminal food options are limited, with a small café offering basic snacks, beverages, and South Indian refreshments. Shimoga city, about 6 kilometres away, has a good range of local restaurants serving authentic Malnad cuisine including akki roti, jolada rotti, and filter coffee. Travellers are advised to have a full meal in the city before heading to the airport for departure.

Traveller Tips

Arrive at least 60–75 minutes before departure as the terminal is small but security queues can build quickly on busy travel days.
Book taxis in advance as on-demand cab availability outside the airport can be inconsistent, especially during early morning or late evening flights.
Carry cash, as ATM facilities at the airport are limited and card acceptance by local auto-rickshaws is not guaranteed.
Plan a visit to Jog Falls and Kodachadri hills — both are within a few hours' drive and best combined with your Shimoga trip.

Official website

AI-assisted overview, verified against public sources.

Airlines serving this airport

No scheduled airline data available.

Routes

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Hotels near RQY

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