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Kolhapur Airport

Kolhapur, MaharashtraKLHVAKP· Gateway to the City of Wrestlers and Royal Heritage

Kolhapur Airport (IATA: KLH, ICAO: VAKP) is a civil aerodrome located in Kolhapur, a historically rich city in the southern part of Maharashtra, India, situated at an elevation of 1,996 feet above sea level. The airport serves as a vital connectivity hub for the region under the Government of India's UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) regional connectivity scheme, linking Kolhapur to major metros and smaller cities. It plays an important role in boosting tourism and trade for a region celebrated for its Mahalaxmi temple, traditional wrestling, and renowned Kolhapuri chappals.

Operator
Airports Authority of India
Opened
1958
Elevation
608 m
Runways
1
Also known as
Kolhapur Civil Airport
Region
West India
Distance to city
Approximately 10 km from Kolhapur city center
annual passengers: Approximately 2-3 lakh passengers per year growth: Passenger traffic has seen gradual growth following the launch of UDAN scheme flights.
Official website Plan a trip to Kolhapur on TravelerPulse

Flights & airlines

Domestic destinations
Airlines serving this airport

Cargo: Limited cargo handling available for domestic shipments.

Terminal facilities

Passenger Terminal
A compact but functional terminal building handling both departures and arrivals with basic amenities for travelers.
Check-in Counters
Multiple check-in counters operated by airlines serving the airport, with manual baggage handling assistance.
Waiting Lounge
Air-conditioned seating area for departing passengers with basic comfort facilities.
Cafeteria
An in-terminal cafeteria offering light refreshments, snacks, and beverages for passengers.
Parking
Dedicated vehicle parking area available for short and long-duration stays outside the terminal building.
ATM
ATM facility available within or adjacent to the terminal for convenient cash access.
Pre-paid Taxi Counter
AAI-operated or authorized pre-paid taxi desk to assist passengers with reliable onward transportation.

Getting to the airport

Pre-paid TaxiPre-paid taxis available outside the terminal for travel to Kolhapur city center and surrounding areas.INR 200-400 20-30 minutes
Auto-rickshawAuto-rickshaws available near the airport gate for short-distance travel to nearby localities.INR 100-200 15-25 minutes
App-based CabOla and Uber operate in Kolhapur city and pickups can be arranged from the airport area.INR 150-350 20-30 minutes
Private VehicleMany travelers are picked up by private cars; drop-off and pickup zones are available in the parking area.INR 0 20-30 minutes

Hotels near KLH

Hotel PavillionMid-range
8 km from airport · INR 1,500-3,000 per night

Well-known hotel in Kolhapur offering comfortable rooms and dining options.

Shalini Palace HotelHeritage/Luxury
10 km from airport · INR 5,000-10,000 per night

A heritage property converted from a royal palace, offering an authentic royal Kolhapur experience.

Hotel OpalBudget
9 km from airport · INR 800-1,500 per night

Budget-friendly accommodation close to the city's commercial areas.

The Astra HotelMid-range
9 km from airport · INR 2,000-4,000 per night

Modern hotel with well-equipped rooms and proximity to major city attractions.

Beyond the airport

Mahalaxmi Temple (Ambabai Temple) Religious/Heritage Site
One of the most revered Shakti temples in India, the Mahalaxmi Temple is an iconic landmark attracting thousands of devotees daily and is central to Kolhapur's spiritual identity.
10 km away · best: October to March
Rankala Lake Natural/Leisure Attraction
A scenic urban lake popular for evening walks, boating, and street food, surrounded by temples and a vibrant local market.
11 km away · best: November to February
New Palace (Chatrapati Rajaram Chhatrapati Museum) Heritage/Museum
The New Palace of Kolhapur serves as a museum showcasing royal artifacts, weapons, costumes, and the rich history of the Maratha Kolhapur princely state.
10 km away · best: October to March
Panhala Fort Historical Fort
One of the largest forts in the Deccan region, Panhala Fort has immense historical significance related to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats.
20 km away · best: October to February
Dajipur Wildlife Sanctuary Wildlife/Nature
A rich biodiversity zone in the Western Ghats known for its large population of Indian bison (gaur) and diverse flora, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
60 km away · best: November to April

Travel tips

  • Arrive at least 60-90 minutes before departure as the terminal is compact and security checks may take time during peak periods.
  • Pre-book your taxi or cab in advance, as transport availability outside the airport can be limited, especially for early morning or late evening flights.
  • Carry sufficient local currency (INR) as ATM and card facilities may have limited availability within the terminal.
  • Kolhapur is famous for its spicy Kolhapuri cuisine—try the local mutton curry or tambda rassa at restaurants in the city before your flight.
  • During the Navratri festival, the city and Mahalaxmi Temple area become extremely crowded; plan your travel and accommodation well in advance.
  • Check your flight status in advance via airline apps, as small regional airports are more prone to schedule changes due to weather or operational reasons.

Development: Kolhapur Airport has been identified for infrastructure upgrades to handle increased passenger traffic under the UDAN scheme, including proposals for terminal expansion and runway strengthening. The Airports Authority of India has been evaluating plans to enhance the airport's capacity to accommodate more daily flights and wider aircraft types.

Frequently asked questions

Kolhapur airport news

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Last verified 2026-09-11. Airport information changes — always confirm critical details with the airport or your airline. Source: IndianAirports.com airport directory. Found something outdated? Report incorrect information.