Kadapa is one of those cities in Andhra Pradesh where the airport has existed longer than most people realise. Opened back in 1953, it quietly served the Rayalaseema region through decades of limited traffic before getting a proper commercial restart in 2015. Today it operates as a functional domestic airport under AAI management, connecting YSR Kadapa district to select major cities. It is not large by any measure, but for a region that sits between Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Tirupati without easy access to any of them, even a compact regional airport makes a tangible difference.
Quick Overview: Kadapa Airport
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Detail |
Information |
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Airport Name |
Kadapa Airport (also known as Cuddapah Airport) |
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Location |
Kadapa, YSR Kadapa District, Andhra Pradesh |
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Airport Type |
Public — Domestic |
|
IATA Code |
CDP |
|
ICAO Code |
VOCP |
|
Owner & Operator |
Airports Authority of India (AAI) |
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Year Established |
1953 |
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Commercial Operations Began |
June 7, 2015 |
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Runway Length |
Approx. 2 km |
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Distance from City Centre |
~10 km north of Kadapa city |
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Current Airlines |
IndiGo |
|
Active Routes |
Chennai, Hyderabad, Vijayawada |
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Nearest International Airport |
Tirupati International Airport (~140 km) |
Kadapa Airport Location: City Position and Geographic Context
Kadapa Airport sits approximately 10 kilometres north of Kadapa city centre, in the YSR Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. The airport address falls along Airport Road near Mahanandi, and the terminal building is located off the Kamalapuram–Ayyavaripalli road in Thimmapuram, Samudrampalli. Travel time from the city to the airport is typically 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic.
Geographically, Kadapa occupies the interior of the Rayalaseema region — one of the more underserved parts of Andhra Pradesh from an aviation standpoint. The city sits between larger aviation hubs without being particularly close to any of them, which is precisely why a local airport carries value for residents of Kadapa, Kurnool, Nellore, and surrounding districts who would otherwise spend hours reaching the nearest major terminal.
Kadapa Airport Code: IATA CDP and ICAO VOCP
Kadapa Airport carries the IATA code CDP and the ICAO code VOCP. The IATA code CDP is what appears on flight tickets, boarding passes, and baggage tags for all travellers using this airport. The airport is sometimes referenced under its older name — Cuddapah Airport — reflecting the city’s colonial-era name, but the official designation is Kadapa Airport and the code CDP is consistent across all booking platforms.
The ICAO code VOCP is used for air traffic control purposes, flight planning, and operational communication between aviation authorities.
Kadapa Airport Terminal: Layout and Passenger Infrastructure
Kadapa Airport operates with two terminal buildings — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. IndiGo currently handles its operations from Terminal 2, while Terminal 1 has historically served other carriers. The terminal layout is basic but functional, designed for regional passenger volumes rather than high-density traffic.
Standard facilities inside the terminal include check-in counters, security screening, and a departure waiting area. There are no food stalls or restaurants past the security checkpoint — a practical reality travellers should plan around by carrying provisions. Basic services such as wheelchair access, first aid at the arrivals section, free trolleys, mobile charging points, and washroom facilities are available within the terminal.
A new terminal is currently planned and was expected to begin construction in the latter half of 2024, with a projected completion window of 2026–27. Road widening connecting Kadapa to Bengaluru, Tirupati, and Nellore is also part of the broader infrastructure push tied to the new terminal development. As of mid-2026, construction details and timelines should be verified directly with AAI for the latest status.
Kadapa Airport Connectivity: How to Reach and Which Airlines Fly
By Air: IndiGo currently operates flights from Kadapa to Chennai, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada. Passenger traffic peaked at 65,544 in 2022–23 before dipping to 52,745 in 2023–24, partly due to competition from nearby airports at Tirupati and Vijayawada. The airport has seen erratic service history — routes have started, paused, and restarted multiple times since 2015 — so confirming current schedules before booking is advisable.
By Road: App-based cab services including Uber operate between Kadapa city and the airport. Auto-rickshaws and public buses also connect the terminal to the city. The airport is accessible from National Highway corridors linking Kadapa to Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
By Rail: Kadapa Junction is the nearest major railway station, well connected on the Chennai–Mumbai main line and several regional routes, giving the city solid rail access as an alternative or complement to air travel.
Nearest Airports: Tirupati International Airport at approximately 140 km is the closest international option. Vijayawada’s Gannavaram Airport and Kurnool Airport serve as alternative domestic options for the region.
Kadapa Airport Amenities: Facilities for Passengers
Kadapa Airport provides essential services suited to a regional domestic airport. Wheelchair assistance is available for passengers who need it. First aid and basic medical facilities are present at the arrivals section. Free luggage trolleys are provided within the terminal. Mobile charging stations are placed across the terminal space, and washroom facilities are maintained on-site.
There are no retail shops, duty-free stores, or food outlets past the security screening area. Passengers connecting to onward journeys or arriving early should factor this into their travel planning. Hotels are available in and around the airport for those needing accommodation near the terminal.
FAQs
Q1. What is the IATA code for Kadapa Airport?
The IATA code is CDP and the ICAO code is VOCP. It also appears under the older name Cuddapah Airport on some platforms.
Q2. Which airlines fly from Kadapa Airport?
IndiGo currently operates flights from Kadapa to Chennai, Hyderabad, and Vijayawada. Route availability can change, so checking current schedules before booking is recommended.
Q3. How far is Kadapa Airport from the city?
The airport is about 10 km north of Kadapa city centre. Travel time is typically 15 to 25 minutes by taxi or auto.
Q4. Is there food available at Kadapa Airport?
No food stalls or restaurants operate past the security checkpoint. Carry snacks or eat before reaching the airport.
Q5. Which is the nearest international airport to Kadapa?
Tirupati International Airport, approximately 140 km away, is the closest international airport to Kadapa.
