Mitochondria elongate during autophagy, a process that degrades and recycles cellular components. This study reveals that mitochondrial elongation is regulated by protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates and retains dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) in the cytoplasm, preventing fission and promoting fusion. Elongated mitochondria are protected from autophagic degradation, maintain ATP production, and contribute to cell survival during starvation. Conversely, blocking mitochondrial elongation leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP consumption, ultimately causing cell death. The cAMP-PKA-DRP1 pathway is essential for maintaining mitochondrial morphology and function during autophagy, highlighting a novel role for mitochondria in cellular responses to nutrient deprivation.Mitochondria elongate during autophagy, a process that degrades and recycles cellular components. This study reveals that mitochondrial elongation is regulated by protein kinase A (PKA), which phosphorylates and retains dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) in the cytoplasm, preventing fission and promoting fusion. Elongated mitochondria are protected from autophagic degradation, maintain ATP production, and contribute to cell survival during starvation. Conversely, blocking mitochondrial elongation leads to mitochondrial dysfunction and ATP consumption, ultimately causing cell death. The cAMP-PKA-DRP1 pathway is essential for maintaining mitochondrial morphology and function during autophagy, highlighting a novel role for mitochondria in cellular responses to nutrient deprivation.