The current study aims to explore the effects of CDKN2A on cell proliferation and cycle, and investigate the underlying mechanisms. Expression of CDKN2A in cervical cancer cell lines was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and western blotting. Apoptotic rate was detected by Annexin V assay. MTT assay, Transwell assay and cell cycle assay kit were applied to examine the effect of CDKN2A on cell viability, invasion and cell cycle. Co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting were devoted to explore the mechanism by which CDKN2A contributes to cell function. CDKN2A was expressed at a low level in cervical cancer cell lines. Overexpression of CDKN2A inhibited cell proliferation and invasion, and caused cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase. CDKN2A mediates the AKT-mTOR signaling pathway by suppressing lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA). Taken together, our data revealed that CDKN2A can be applied as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cervical cancer in future. CDKN2A inhibits cell proliferation and invasion in cervical cancer through LDHA-mediated AKT-mTOR pathway.