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Shivamogga Airport in 2026: Is It Really Inactive? Current Flight Status, IndiGo Exit, Star Air Services and What Happens Next
Published: August 31, 2026
Location: Shivamogga, Karnataka
Airport: Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport
IATA Code: RQY
ICAO Code: VOSH
Shivamogga Airport has recently become the subject of considerable discussion among travellers and residents of the Malnad region.
Some people are saying that Shivamogga Airport is currently inactive, that no flights are arriving at the airport and that IndiGo has completely stopped its services.
There is some truth behind the confusion — but the complete picture is different.
Shivamogga Airport is not closed or permanently inactive. However, the airport has experienced a major reduction in airline connectivity during 2026 after IndiGo suspended its Bengaluru–Shivamogga service and SpiceJet temporarily suspended its Chennai/Hyderabad operations.
At the same time, Star Air continues to operate scheduled services from Shivamogga, meaning aircraft are still arriving and departing from the airport.
So what exactly happened? What flights are currently available? Why did IndiGo stop? Is the airport being upgraded? And what could happen to Shivamogga’s air connectivity in the coming months?
Let’s look at the situation in detail.
Shivamogga Airport: A Quick Introduction
The airport serving Shivamogga is officially known as Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport, named after the renowned Kannada poet and writer Kuvempu.
The airport is located at Sogane, approximately southeast of Shivamogga city, and operates under the management of the Karnataka State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (KSIIDC).
The airport’s official aviation identifier is VOSH, while its IATA airport code is RQY. The Airports Authority of India’s aeronautical information publications continue to list Shivamogga Airport as an active aerodrome.
Commercial flight operations began in 2023, giving Shivamogga and the wider Malnad region a new air connection to other parts of India.
The airport was developed to improve connectivity for Shivamogga and surrounding districts and to support tourism, business, agriculture, education and industrial development.
Is Shivamogga Airport Currently Inactive?
No.
This is one of the most important points to clarify.
Shivamogga Airport is not permanently inactive or closed.
As of August 31, 2026, scheduled Star Air flights are still listed for Shivamogga.
Star Air’s current published schedule includes services connecting:
- Shivamogga – Hyderabad
- Shivamogga – Goa (Mopa)
- Shivamogga – Tirupati
The airline’s schedule lists Shivamogga–Hyderabad and Shivamogga–Goa services through September 30, 2026, subject to regulatory approval and operational changes.
Flight-schedule data also shows Star Air services between Shivamogga and Tirupati around the end of August and into September.
Therefore, saying “no flight is arriving at Shivamogga Airport” would be misleading.
A more accurate description would be:
Shivamogga Airport remains operational, but its flight connectivity has reduced substantially after the suspension of services by IndiGo and SpiceJet. Star Air continues to operate scheduled services.
What Happened to IndiGo?
IndiGo was one of the most important airlines operating from Shivamogga because it provided a direct connection between Shivamogga and Bengaluru.
However, IndiGo suspended the Bengaluru–Shivamogga service from May 1, 2026.
This was a major setback for passengers because Bengaluru is not just another destination — Kempegowda International Airport is also an important gateway to domestic and international destinations.
The loss of the direct Shivamogga–Bengaluru flight therefore affected travellers who previously used Bengaluru for onward connections.
Reports at the time attributed the suspension to operational issues including pilot availability and other airline-level constraints. Karnataka Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil subsequently urged the Centre to restore the Bengaluru–Shivamogga route through the UDAN regional connectivity framework.
Why the IndiGo suspension matters
For Shivamogga passengers, Bengaluru connectivity has particular importance.
A direct flight to Bengaluru can potentially make it easier for passengers from the Malnad region to access:
- Mumbai
- Delhi
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Kolkata
- Other Indian cities
- International destinations through Bengaluru
Without a direct Shivamogga–Bengaluru flight, many travellers have to use road or rail transport to reach Bengaluru before continuing their journey by air.
SpiceJet Also Suspended Services
The IndiGo suspension was followed by another major development.
SpiceJet had been operating services connecting Shivamogga with Chennai and Hyderabad.
The airline launched its Shivamogga operations in October 2024 under the UDAN regional connectivity framework.
In June 2026, SpiceJet temporarily suspended its Shivamogga operations.
Reports stated that the suspension was expected to continue until September and cited factors including increased fuel costs, difficulties relating to DGCA requirements and operational considerations.
This created the impression among many local residents that the airport had effectively stopped operating.
But that conclusion was incorrect.
So Which Airline Is Flying From Shivamogga Now?
Star Air Remains Active
Star Air currently provides scheduled connectivity from Shivamogga.
Its published flight schedule shows services connecting Shivamogga with Hyderabad and Goa, while Star Air’s Shivamogga–Tirupati service is also scheduled around the end of August and into September.
Hyderabad
Star Air’s schedule lists flight S5212 from Hyderabad to Shivamogga and S5213 from Shivamogga to Hyderabad.
The schedule indicates regular operations during the current summer/monsoon timetable period.
Goa
Star Air also lists a direct Shivamogga–Goa Mopa service.
The published schedule shows:
Shivamogga → Goa (Mopa)
Flight: S5210
Scheduled departure: around 12:10
Scheduled arrival: around 13:00
The reverse Goa–Shivamogga service is also listed by Star Air.
Tirupati
Star Air also operates the Shivamogga–Tirupati connection.
Flight schedule information shows the service operating around the end of August 2026, with scheduled services continuing into September under a revised timetable.
Current Shivamogga Airport Situation – August 31, 2026
The situation can therefore be summarised as follows:
| Airline | Route | Current situation |
|---|---|---|
| IndiGo | Shivamogga – Bengaluru | Suspended from May 1, 2026 |
| SpiceJet | Shivamogga – Chennai / Hyderabad | Temporarily suspended |
| Star Air | Shivamogga – Hyderabad | Operating scheduled services |
| Star Air | Shivamogga – Goa | Operating scheduled services |
| Star Air | Shivamogga – Tirupati | Scheduled services operating |
Flight schedules can change because of airline operations, weather, aircraft availability and regulatory approvals, so passengers should always verify the flight status before travelling.
Why Are People Saying the Airport Is “Inactive”?
There are several reasons for the confusion.
1. IndiGo’s withdrawal was highly visible
IndiGo’s Bengaluru service was one of the most important routes from Shivamogga.
When it disappeared, many passengers noticed the change immediately.
2. SpiceJet also suspended operations
When two airlines reduce or suspend services within a short period, the airport can appear unusually quiet.
3. Flight frequency is much lower
An airport with only limited scheduled services naturally looks very different from a busy airport such as Bengaluru or Mangaluru.
4. Social media posts can oversimplify the situation
A statement such as:
“No flights are coming to Shivamogga Airport.”
can spread quickly, even though scheduled Star Air services continue.
The correct distinction is between reduced connectivity and airport closure.
The Airport Is Still Receiving Aircraft
The strongest evidence that Shivamogga Airport is not inactive is the current published flight schedule.
Star Air’s official schedule continues to list Shivamogga as an operating destination. The airline’s schedule includes RQY–GOX and HYD–RQY sectors, among others.
Recent flight-schedule data also records Star Air’s Shivamogga–Tirupati operations around August 28–31, 2026.
Therefore, the airport is operational but under-utilised compared with the connectivity residents expected when the airport opened.
What About Night Landing Facilities?
Night operations are one of the most important developments for the future of Shivamogga Airport.
The airport has historically faced restrictions associated with daytime operations.
In 2026, work to improve night-landing capability became a major priority.
A May 2026 progress review reported that KSIIDC was pushing to complete pending works related to the night-landing facility, including lighting and technical infrastructure. The state government was funding the infrastructure work, while discussions with airlines were continuing regarding the restoration and expansion of connectivity.
Earlier reports also indicated that the airport’s navigation and lighting infrastructure was being upgraded as part of the effort to enable more flexible operations.
Why night landing matters
Night-landing capability could potentially allow airlines to operate more convenient schedules.
That could mean:
- Earlier morning departures
- Later evening arrivals
- Better aircraft utilisation
- More attractive schedules for business travellers
- Better connections with major hubs
- Greater flexibility for airlines
However, night-landing infrastructure by itself does not automatically guarantee new flights.
Airlines still need to consider passenger demand, aircraft availability, operating costs, route economics and regulatory requirements.
Shivamogga Airport Licence Has Been Renewed
Another important development in 2026 was the renewal of the airport’s operating licence.
Reports in February 2026 stated that the airport’s licence was renewed for another three years following payment of a DGCA penalty. The renewal provides continuity for airport operations while infrastructure upgrades and expansion plans continue.
This is another reason why describing the airport as “closed” or “inactive” would be inaccurate.
The airport remains part of India’s operational civil aviation network.
Plans for Cargo Operations
Shivamogga Airport’s potential is not limited to passenger flights.
Cargo connectivity could become particularly important for the Malnad region.
The region has strong agricultural and horticultural activity, and improved air cargo infrastructure could potentially help businesses move time-sensitive products to larger markets.
The airport’s development plans have included cargo-related facilities and broader commercial development.
However, passengers and businesses should distinguish between planned/proposed facilities and fully operational cargo services.
At present, official aeronautical information does not show dedicated cargo-handling facilities; cargo handling is described as being managed by the operator concerned rather than through an exclusive cargo facility.
Why Shivamogga Needs Better Air Connectivity
Shivamogga is not an isolated tourist destination.
The airport can serve a much wider region of central Karnataka and the Malnad area.
Better air connectivity can support:
Tourism
The region is close to attractions such as:
- Jog Falls
- Agumbe
- Kodachadri
- Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sakrebailu
- Tyavarekoppa
- Sringeri
- Thirthahalli
- Chikkamagaluru region
Easy air access can make the region more attractive to tourists travelling from distant cities.
Business
Companies and professionals can benefit from faster access to Shivamogga instead of spending several hours travelling by road from Bengaluru or another airport.
Agriculture
The Malnad region has important agricultural production, and improved logistics could potentially help high-value and time-sensitive products reach wider markets.
Education
Shivamogga has several educational institutions and attracts students and academics from different parts of Karnataka and India.
Healthcare
Improved connectivity can also be useful for patients and families who need to travel to major medical centres.
The Bengaluru Connection Remains the Biggest Missing Link
Among all the routes that have been lost or suspended, the Bengaluru–Shivamogga connection is arguably one of the most important.
This is why Karnataka’s Infrastructure Development Minister M B Patil requested that the Centre consider restoring the route through the UDAN framework.
He described the route as important for the economic and social development of the Malnad region and highlighted its importance to agriculture, tourism, industry and trade.
If a reliable Bengaluru service returns — particularly with a convenient schedule — it could significantly improve Shivamogga’s usefulness as a regional airport.
Could IndiGo Return to Shivamogga?
At present, it would be incorrect to announce that IndiGo is definitely returning.
There have been efforts and requests to restore connectivity, but a future airline schedule should only be treated as confirmed when the airline officially publishes the service for booking.
The same principle applies to any new routes.
Rumours, political requests and proposed routes are not the same as confirmed airline operations.
Passengers should rely on airline booking systems and official airport/airline announcements before making travel plans.
What Could Happen After September 2026?
September 2026 could be an important period to watch.
SpiceJet’s temporary suspension was reported as extending toward the end of September, while Star Air’s published schedule for some Shivamogga services also runs through September 30.
This means the coming months could bring changes to the airport’s route network.
Possible developments include:
- SpiceJet services being reviewed for resumption
- Additional Star Air services
- Restoration efforts for Bengaluru connectivity
- New airline operators considering Shivamogga
- Expansion of night operations
- Further infrastructure development
- Greater focus on cargo and commercial facilities
But none of these should be presented as guaranteed until officially confirmed.
Is Shivamogga Airport a Failure?
Calling the airport a failure would be an oversimplification.
The airport has clearly faced connectivity challenges, particularly during 2026.
The suspension of IndiGo’s Bengaluru service and SpiceJet’s temporary withdrawal has reduced the number of available routes.
At the same time, the airport continues to operate, Star Air continues to serve the city, and the state government is investing in infrastructure improvements.
The more accurate description is:
Shivamogga Airport is an operational regional airport facing a temporary connectivity crisis — not a permanently closed airport.
The real challenge is not whether the runway exists or whether the terminal is open.
The challenge is building a stable, financially sustainable and useful flight network that airlines can operate consistently.
What Travellers Should Do Before Booking
Because flight schedules can change frequently, passengers travelling from Shivamogga should:
- Check the airline’s official booking website.
- Confirm the exact flight date.
- Check the flight number.
- Check the latest departure and arrival status.
- Avoid relying solely on old social-media posts.
- Keep a road/rail alternative in mind if travelling for an important appointment.
- Check connecting-flight timings carefully if travelling onward from Hyderabad, Goa or Tirupati.
The published Star Air schedule itself states that schedules are subject to regulatory approval and operational changes.
The Bigger Picture: Shivamogga Airport Still Has Potential
Shivamogga Airport was created with a much bigger vision than simply providing a few flights.
It has the potential to become an important regional aviation hub for central Karnataka and the Malnad region.
But an airport’s success depends on more than infrastructure.
It requires:
Airport + Airlines + Passengers + Reliable Routes + Competitive Fares + Convenient Timings + Infrastructure
If these elements work together, Shivamogga can develop a much stronger aviation network.
If routes continue to be suspended because of poor economics or operational difficulties, the airport will remain under-utilised despite having substantial infrastructure.
Final Verdict: Is Shivamogga Airport Closed?
No.
Is it completely inactive?
No.
Are there fewer flights than before?
Yes.
Did IndiGo suspend its Bengaluru–Shivamogga service?
Yes — the service was suspended from May 1, 2026.
Did SpiceJet also suspend its Shivamogga operations?
Yes — temporarily, with reports indicating a suspension extending toward the end of September 2026.
Are flights still operating from Shivamogga?
Yes. Star Air’s published schedule continues to show services involving Shivamogga, including Hyderabad, Goa and Tirupati.
Is the airport being developed further?
Yes. Night-landing infrastructure and other development initiatives are being pursued.
Conclusion
The current situation at Shivamogga Airport is best described as a period of reduced connectivity and transition, rather than closure.
The suspension of IndiGo’s Bengaluru service was a major blow to the region, and SpiceJet’s temporary withdrawal added further pressure.
However, Shivamogga Airport remains operational, with Star Air continuing scheduled services.
At the same time, work on infrastructure improvements — particularly night-landing capability — could provide the airport with greater flexibility in the future.
The biggest question now is not whether Shivamogga Airport will remain open.
It is:
Can Shivamogga attract and retain enough reliable airline services to make the airport a strong regional aviation hub?
For travellers, businesses and the tourism industry across the Malnad region, the answer could have a significant impact on the future of Shivamogga.
This article will be updated as new airline schedules, route announcements and airport development updates become officially available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shivamogga Airport currently operational?
Yes. Shivamogga’s Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport remains operational, and scheduled Star Air services are currently listed.
Has IndiGo stopped flying from Shivamogga?
IndiGo suspended its Bengaluru–Shivamogga service from May 1, 2026.
Is there any flight from Shivamogga to Hyderabad?
Yes. Star Air’s current schedule lists Shivamogga–Hyderabad services.
Is there a Shivamogga–Goa flight?
Yes. Star Air’s published schedule lists direct Shivamogga–Goa Mopa services.
Is there a Shivamogga–Tirupati flight?
Yes. Star Air schedule information shows direct Shivamogga–Tirupati services.
Has SpiceJet permanently closed its Shivamogga operation?
No. Its 2026 suspension has been reported as temporary, with services expected to be reviewed around the end of September.
Is Shivamogga Airport an international airport?
The airport is officially Rashtrakavi Kuvempu Airport and currently operates as a domestic airport. It should not be described as an international airport unless official international operations are introduced.
Will IndiGo return?
There have been efforts to restore Bengaluru connectivity, but a confirmed IndiGo return should only be announced when officially published by the airline.
Is night landing coming to Shivamogga Airport?
Night-landing infrastructure work has been underway, with the state government pursuing upgrades. The availability of night operations and commercial night flights should be confirmed through official operational notices and airline schedules.
Sources and verification
Information in this article was checked against Airports Authority of India aeronautical information, KSIIDC information, Star Air’s published flight schedule and recent reports concerning IndiGo and SpiceJet’s Shivamogga operations.
Last reviewed: August 31, 2026.
Flight schedules are subject to change. Always verify your flight directly with the airline before travelling.
