๐ฎ๐ณ Kota, India
Kota Airport (KTU), also identified as VIKO, is currently entering a transformative development phase with the construction of the new Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport in Shambhupura, Rajasthan. Situated approximately 15-20 kilometers from Kota city, this new facility is designed to replace the existing municipal airstrip and serve as a modern aviation hub for the region's prominent education and industrial sectors. The project, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2025, features a significant โน1,507 crore investment to establish a facility capable of handling up to 2 million passengers annually.
The new passenger terminal will span approximately 20,000 square meters, utilizing a design that blends traditional Rajasthani architectural elements with modern sustainable aesthetics. Inside, the facility will provide a range of advanced amenities, including streamlined check-in and security processing, premium waiting lounges, and dedicated retail and dining zones. The terminal is engineered to accommodate peak hour traffic of 1,000 passengers, providing direct connectivity for the thousands of students and families who visit Kota annually for its renowned educational coaching institutions.
Infrastructure at the new airport includes a 3,200-meter runway (11/29) capable of servicing large Code-C aircraft such as the Airbus A321, along with seven dedicated parking bays and an advanced air traffic control tower. Ground transportation will be well-integrated with the regional road network, providing seamless links to both Kota and Bundi. While construction is active throughout 2026, the existing Kota Airport premises are slated to host a specialized aviation training institute to support India's growing aerospace workforce, positioning the region as a central pillar for aviation excellence in Rajasthan.
Kota Airport (KTU) in Rajasthan, India, is currently in a state of operational transition. From Jaipur, travelers can connect to Kota via a reliable 4 to 5-hour journey by train (such as the Superfast Express) or by hiring a private taxi via the NH-52 national highway. App-based ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber are active in Kota and offer the most transparent pricing, though availability directly at the airport gates can be sparse compared to the railway station area. Always carry sufficient Indian Rupees (INR) in cash for auto-rickshaw fares, as digital payment acceptance among individual drivers in this region can be inconsistent.
While the existing municipal airstrip has had very limited to no regularly scheduled commercial airline services for several years, it remains a vital facility for general aviation, government VIP flights, and pilot training. For those who do arrive at the existing KTU airfield via private charter, ground transportation is primarily managed through local on-call services. For travelers seeking a more modern and integrated experience, the new Kota-Bundi Greenfield Airport at Shambhupura is currently under active construction and is expected to become the primary commercial gateway for the region by 2026.
For the vast majority of travelers heading to Kotaโfamous as India's premier hub for educational coachingโthe most common route is to fly into Jaipur International Airport (JAI), located approximately 250 kilometers to the north. Three-wheeled auto-rickshaws are the most common sight near the airport perimeter, but they must often be called from the city center, located about 10 kilometers away. Until then, it is absolutely essential to verify the operational status of any commercial flight through KTU before finalizing your itinerary.
โข Commercial flights are rare; check status carefully.
โข Ground transport: Train from Jaipur or Delhi is the standard route to Kota.
โข Auto-rickshaws are the main local transport at this airport.
โข Airport is 10km from the coaching hub area at this airport.
โข Ground transport: Pre-arrange taxi service if arriving by private charter.
Minimum domestic connection:
30 minutes
International connections:
60 minutes
Interline transfers:
90 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources