Kurnool Airport Opens AP's First DGCA-Certified Flight Academy; Railways Approves New Express Train to Coast
Kurnool sealed two landmark infrastructure achievements in the closing days of September 2026. Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the Orient Flights Aviation Academy at Kurnool Airport, giving Andhra Pradesh its first Flight Training Organisation certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation — a first for the entire country. Around the same time, Indian Railways announced a new Express train connecting Kurnool City with Machilipatnam on the coast, promising direct rail connectivity for thousands of passengers who travel across the Rayalaseema and coastal districts for education, employment, business and medical care.
🎓 India's First DGCA-Certified Flight Academy Opens at Kurnool Airport
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the Orient Flights Aviation Academy at Kurnool Airport on Saturday 26 September, marking the establishment of Andhra Pradesh's first Flight Training Organisation and, notably, the first facility of its kind anywhere in India to receive certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The academy was developed by the Hindustan Group and built at an estimated cost of approximately Rs 100 crore. It is designed to deliver pilot training that fully meets international aviation standards as required under DGCA norms. Three training aircraft are currently operational, with plans in place to expand the fleet to ten aircraft as enrolment grows. Kurnool's location and consistently favourable weather patterns make it well suited for year-round flight training with minimal disruption from adverse conditions. At projected capacity the FTO expects to train approximately 60 student pilots annually, while also generating a range of related support employment in the local economy. The academy's establishment was made possible when the Andhra Pradesh coalition government, shortly after assuming office, allocated 1.25 acres of land within Kurnool Airport specifically for the project. The inauguration also fits within a broader national effort by the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to increase the number of FTOs operating across India, reflecting recognition that the country needs more trained domestic pilots to sustain its rapidly expanding aviation sector and reduce dependence on overseas training programmes. [7]
🗳️ New Express Train to Connect Kurnool City with Machilipatnam Approved
Indian Railways has approved a new Express train service running between Machilipatnam on the Andhra Pradesh coast and Kurnool City in the Rayalaseema interior, covering a route of approximately 499 kilometres. The train will travel via Gudivada, Vijayawada and Nandyal, linking several significant towns across coastal and inland districts of the state. Services will operate three days a week in each direction. The Machilipatnam-to-Kurnool City service is scheduled on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, departing at 4:55 pm and arriving at 5:45 am the following morning. In the reverse direction, the Kurnool City-to-Machilipatnam train departs on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 9:30 am, reaching Machilipatnam at 9:35 pm the same day. Commercial halts include Gudivada, Vijayawada, Narasaraopet, Vinukonda, Donakonda, Markapur Road, Cumbum, Giddalur, Diguvametta, Nandyal, Bethamcherla and Dhone. Railway officials say the new service will significantly improve direct rail connectivity between the coastal areas and the Palnadu, Prakasam, Nandyal and Kurnool districts further inland. The timetable has been designed to accommodate both overnight and daytime travellers. Thousands of residents across these districts who regularly travel for education, employment, business and medical care are expected to benefit directly once the service begins. Train numbers and detailed fare information are to be announced by railway authorities shortly. [5]