About Mysore Airport (MYQ): Gateway to the Royal City of Karnataka

Mysore Airport was constructed in the year 1940 by the Princely State of Mysore under the Kingdom of Mysore. In its early decades, the airport served multiple official and organisational purposes rather than regular commercial aviation.

Following India’s independence in 1947 the airport came under the ownership of the Government of Karnataka. In 1950 administrative control was transferred to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The airport holds exceptional national political significance. The process of accession of princely states into the Union of India began from Mysore Airport. This historic process was led by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and was enabled through the cooperation of His Highness Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar. On the request of Jawaharlal Nehru, the Maharaja provided his two-seater aircraft along with a pilot and fuel arrangements which allowed the mission to proceed.

The flight to Mysore Airport was also used for aviation training. The National Cadet Corps conducted glider pilot training at the airfield. In its early operational years, the airport handled aircraft such as the Douglas DC-3 and Dakota. During this phase, the airfield operated with grass runways.

Commercial airline operations developed gradually. The Hindu Airlines introduced passenger flights in May 1965. Vayudoot operated services between April 1985 and September 1989. Kingfisher Airlines operated flights during 2010 and 2011. SpiceJet commenced operations in 2013 and later withdrew. Alliance Air operated limited services and was followed by TruJet which began operations under the UDAN scheme in 2017.

Mysore Airport has one operational runway which is designated as Runway 09/27 and is constructed with a concrete surface.

The runway measures 1,740 meters in length and 30 meters in width. This runway configuration supports operations by turboprop aircraft and small regional aircraft.

Aircraft compatibility at the airport includes ATR-72 aircraft and other turboprop category aircraft. The existing runway length does not support regular narrow-body jet aircraft operations.

The apron area provides parking capacity for three aircraft at a time. Aircraft movement between the runway and apron is supported by a single perpendicular taxiway which connects the apron directly to the runway.

Mysore Airport operates a single domestic passenger terminal. The terminal was inaugurated in May 2010 after a major renovation and redevelopment programme.

The construction cost of the terminal was approximately ₹82 crore. The terminal covers an area of about 3,250 square meters which is equivalent to roughly 35,000 square feet.

The terminal has a peak handling capacity of 200 passengers. The internal layout is compact and is designed for efficient passenger movement. Arrival areas and departure areas are segregated to ensure smooth circulation.

The terminal includes check-in counters along with security screening zones boarding areas and baggage handling sections. All passenger processing activities are carried out within this single terminal building.

Mysore Airport currently supports scheduled passenger services operated by IndiGo and Alliance Air. These airlines operate domestic flights on selected routes.

Active destinations served from Mysore Airport include Chennai and Hyderabad. Routes to Bengaluru and Goa have existed earlier and are referenced only in historical context.

Passenger traffic recorded between April 2023 and March 2024 stood at 127,994 passengers. During the same period, aircraft movements at the airport were recorded at 2,483 movements.

These figures reflect the airport’s role as a regional connectivity airport and as a secondary aviation facility supporting southern Karnataka.

Mysore Airport offers passenger facilities focused on basic comfort and functional convenience. Waiting lounges and seating areas are available within the terminal.

Washrooms are provided for passengers. Free baggage trolleys are available for use. Medical assistance is available when required.

Wheelchair assistance and special support services are provided for elderly passengers and passengers with reduced mobility. Lost and Found services operate through designated airport authorities.

An information desk is available to assist passengers with general queries. Wi-Fi connectivity is available in a basic and limited form.

The terminal includes a cafeteria offering snacks along with tea, coffee and packaged food items. Souvenir and craft shops operate inside the terminal and focus on Mysore silk products and regional handicrafts.

Lounge seating areas include charging points for electronic devices. Art installations and décor inspired by Mysore’s heritage are displayed throughout the terminal. Travel assistance desks provide basic itinerary support.

Ground connectivity to Mysore Airport is supported by multiple transport options. KSRTC operates bus services connecting the airport with the city. Volvo airport shuttle buses operate seven daily services which are synchronised with flight schedules.

Prepaid taxis and app-based cab services such as Ola and Uber are available. Self-drive access to the airport is also supported through city roads and highway connectivity.

Key distances from the airport include approximately 10 km to the city centre. The Mysore City Bus Stand is located around 11 km away. Kadakola Railway Station is located approximately 5 km from the airport. Mysore Junction railway station is located about 12 km away.

Nearby attractions accessible from Mysore Airport are
Mysore Palace and Chamundi Hill, along with Chamundeshwari Temple, Brindavan Gardens, St. Philomena’s Church, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Krishna Raja Sagar Dam, Jaganmohan Palace, Mysore Zoo and the Oriental Research Institute.

Mysore Airport has an approved expansion plan focused on runway extension and operational enhancement. The runway is planned to be extended from its current length of 1,740 meters to either 2,450 meters or 2,750 meters.

The expansion requires approximately 240 acres of land. Diversion of National Highway 766 has received approval to support the project. The objective of the expansion is to enable jet aircraft operations and facilitate direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai. Long-term plans include achieving future international airport status.

As of late 2025 around 230 acres of land have been acquired. The remaining 10 acres are in the final stage of transfer. Government funding has been released and utility shifting work is underway.

The expansion has influenced surrounding real estate activity. In Mandakalli about 33% of properties fall within the ₹20 to ₹40 lakh range while 17% fall below ₹20 lakh and residential plots dominate the area. 

In Dadadahalli approximately 57% of properties fall within the ₹20 to ₹40 lakh range and 29% fall within the ₹40 to ₹60 lakh range. Along Airport Road property pricing is evenly distributed between ₹20 to ₹40 lakh and ₹40 to ₹60 lakh segments.

Mysore Airport is administered by the Airport Director. The current Airport Director is Anoop J R. The administrative structure also includes designated phone numbers and official email contacts along with a Regional Executive Director and a Safety Investigation Coordinator responsible for safety oversight.