By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow – The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow is currently undergoing a comprehensive renovation to enhance safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. The extensive upgrade work, which began earlier this year, is progressing steadily and is expected to be fully completed by August 15.
To ensure smooth execution of the projects, daytime flight operations at Amausi Airport have been temporarily suspended since March 1, restricting flights between 11 AM and 5 PM. However, from July 16, this operational window will be shortened, and flights will only be suspended between 11 AM and 3 PM, signaling a gradual return to normalcy. According to airport authorities, full-scale daytime flight services will resume from August 16.
Three Major Modernisation Projects Underway
The airport is currently witnessing three major infrastructure development projects, all of which are critical to improving safety standards, boosting operational efficiency, and preparing the airport for increasing air traffic in the coming years.
These projects include:
- Construction of a Parallel Taxiway
- Re-carpeting of the Runway
- Upgradation of the Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) System
Each of these projects is at a different stage of progress, with significant headway already made.
Parallel Taxiway: Easing Air Traffic Flow
One of the most significant upgrades at the airport is the construction of a new parallel taxiway running alongside the existing runway, which measures 2,744 metres in length and 45 metres in width.
The taxiway is being constructed to streamline aircraft movement on the ground. By enabling aircraft to exit the runway quickly after landing and to access it efficiently before takeoff, the parallel taxiway will significantly reduce runway occupancy time.
This, in turn, will increase the number of flights the airport can handle, improve air traffic management, and boost overall safety during aircraft operations. Officials have confirmed that more than 60% of the work on the taxiway has already been completed, and the remaining work is moving forward steadily.
Runway Re-Carpeting: First Overhaul in 7 Years
Another critical component of the renovation is the complete re-carpeting of the airport’s runway, which is being resurfaced for the first time since 2018.
This project involves the removal of the old surface layer and replacement with a fresh bitumen layer, ensuring compliance with current aviation safety standards.
The resurfacing operation covers a vast area of approximately 1.8 lakh square metres, including the runway and associated taxiway sections. This upgrade will not only provide a smoother and safer landing surface for aircraft but also increase the runway’s longevity and resistance to wear and tear due to heavy air traffic and weather conditions.
Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) Upgrade: Energy-Efficient and High-Visibility Operations
In a move towards smarter and more sustainable infrastructure, the airport is also upgrading its Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system. The existing halogen-based lighting is being replaced with modern LED lights, which offer improved illumination, better energy efficiency, and longer service life.
Additionally, airfield signage systems are being upgraded to meet the latest operational and regulatory standards. These improvements are particularly important for ensuring safe night-time and low-visibility operations, such as during fog or rain.
Once fully implemented, the new LED lighting system is expected to reduce the airport’s power consumption by up to 50%, contributing significantly to cost savings and environmental sustainability.
A Modern Airport in the Making
With these critical infrastructure upgrades nearing completion, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport is poised to emerge as a more efficient, safer, and environmentally friendly aviation hub in northern India.
Airport officials have assured that all work will be finished on schedule by August 15, paving the way for uninterrupted flight services and improved operational capabilities.
Passengers, airlines, and ground staff can look forward to a smoother and more streamlined experience once the enhanced facilities are operational, placing Lucknow firmly on the map of India’s rapidly modernizing airports.