Kurnool waited a long time for an airport of its own. As the former capital of Andhra Pradesh and a city with genuine historical and administrative weight, the absence of air connectivity was a gap that became harder to ignore as the state grew. That changed on 28 March 2021, when Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport opened for commercial operations at Orvakal, making Kurnool the sixth city in Andhra Pradesh to gain a functional civilian airport. Named after the legendary 19th-century freedom fighter from the Rayalaseema region, the airport carries both civic purpose and symbolic weight for the area it serves.
Quick Overview: Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport, Kurnool
| Detail | Information |
| Official Name | Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport |
| Also Known As | Kurnool Airport / Orvakal Airport |
| Location | Orvakal, Kurnool District, Andhra Pradesh |
| Airport Type | Public — Domestic (Greenfield) |
| IATA Code | KJB |
| ICAO Code | VOKU |
| Owner | Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Ltd (APADCL) |
| Commercial Operations Began | 28 March 2021 |
| Total Land Area | 1,008 acres |
| Runway Designation | 10/28 |
| Runway Dimensions | 2,000 m × 30 m |
| Distance from Kurnool City | ~18 km via National Highway 40 |
| Distance from Nandyal | ~54 km |
| Project Cost | ₹153 crore |
Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport Location: Orvakal on NH 40
The airport is located at Orvakal in Kurnool district, positioned directly on National Highway 40 — the main road artery connecting Kurnool to other parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It sits approximately 18 kilometres from Kurnool city centre and around 54 kilometres from Nandyal, making it accessible to a fairly wide band of the district rather than just the city itself.
Kurnool district forms the northern edge of the Rayalaseema region, bordering Telangana to the north and sitting within reasonable distance of Srisailam, Belum Caves, and Yaganti Temple — all significant tourism destinations that benefit from having an airport within the district. The flat terrain at Orvakal was specifically identified as suitable for a greenfield development, and the 1,008-acre footprint gave the project room to build without density constraints.
Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport Code: IATA KJB and ICAO VOKU
The airport’s IATA code is KJB and its ICAO code is VOKU. KJB is the identifier that appears on airline booking systems, flight tickets, and baggage handling networks. The airport is officially referenced as Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport in formal documents, but it is commonly referred to as Kurnool Airport or Orvakal Airport in daily usage, travel platforms, and news coverage. All three names point to the same facility with the same codes.
Kurnool Airport Terminal: Design, Layout and Passenger Flow
Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport has a single passenger terminal that handles both arrivals and departures. The terminal was built under a low-cost airport model — compact, efficiently laid out, and easy to navigate without the complexity of a multi-terminal hub. All key passenger zones sit on a single level, meaning travellers do not need to use elevators or walk extended distances between functions.
The departure zone contains check-in counters, a security screening area, and a waiting lounge for boarding. The arrival zone has a baggage claim area and a direct exit to road transport. The terminal’s single-building structure means no inter-terminal transfers are needed, and signage keeps movement intuitive. For passengers used to larger airports, the scale here is noticeably smaller — which also means the entire process from entry to boarding is considerably faster than at major hubs.
Kurnool Airport Connectivity: Airlines, Roads and Nearest Airports
By Air: The airport currently handles regional domestic routes. Flights have operated to Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai at various points since launch. Passenger traffic stood at 39,746 in 2023–24. Given that this is a UDAN-scheme airport, route availability can shift depending on airline operational decisions, so verifying current flights on booking platforms before travel is important.
By Road: National Highway 40 passes directly by the airport, making road access straightforward from Kurnool city. Taxi services and app-based cabs connect the airport to the city centre. Travel time from Kurnool city is roughly 25 to 35 minutes depending on traffic.
By Rail: Kurnool City railway station is the main rail hub for the district, connected to Hyderabad, Chennai, and other major cities. Passengers arriving by train would then need road transport to reach the airport.
Nearest Airports: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad is approximately 215 km away and serves as the preferred international gateway for Kurnool residents. Kadapa Airport (CDP) is accessible for those travelling toward the eastern Rayalaseema region.
Kurnool Airport Amenities: Passenger Facilities at Orvakal
Being a newer airport built in 2021, Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport has clean, functional infrastructure. The terminal maintains basic passenger services including seating in the departure lounge, washroom facilities, and basic ground handling support. Security screening equipment is operational.
The airport’s amenity profile reflects its low-cost regional airport classification — practical essentials are covered, but premium facilities like multi-cuisine food courts, duty-free retail, airport lounges, or aerobridges are not part of the current setup. Passengers are advised to eat before arriving and to manage expectations accordingly. Ground transport is available outside the terminal building, and parking is accessible for those dropping off or picking up travellers.
FAQs: Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport, Kurnool
Q1. What is the IATA code for Kurnool Airport?
A: The IATA code is KJB and the ICAO code is VOKU. The airport is officially named Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport, also known as Orvakal Airport.
Q2. When did Kurnool Airport start operations?
A: Commercial operations began on 28 March 2021, making it the sixth functional civilian airport in Andhra Pradesh.
Q3. How far is Kurnool Airport from Kurnool city?
A: The airport at Orvakal is approximately 18 km from Kurnool city centre, with road access via National Highway 40.
Q4. Which cities are connected by flights from Kurnool Airport?
A: Flights have operated to Bengaluru, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai. Current routes should be confirmed on airline websites before booking as schedules vary.
Q5. Who owns and operates Uyyalawada Narasimha Reddy Airport?
A: The airport is owned by the Andhra Pradesh Airports Development Corporation Limited (APADCL) and operates under its management.
