Major Revamp Underway at Lucknow Airport, Full Daytime Operations to Resume by Independence Day
By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow
Lucknow: A significant transformation is currently taking place at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA) in Lucknow, as a series of ambitious renovation and infrastructure enhancement projects move into their final stages.
The airport, a key aviation hub in northern India, has been undergoing extensive upgrades since the beginning of this year to enhance safety, efficiency, and passenger convenience.
Authorities have announced that all construction and upgradation works are on track to be completed by August 15, coinciding with India’s Independence Day.
Once finished, these upgrades are expected to boost the airport’s operational capacity and safety standards significantly.
Temporary Daytime Flight Suspension to Support Construction Work
To accommodate the extensive construction activity, daytime flight operations at Amausi Airport—as the airport is still colloquially known—have been temporarily halted since March 1, 2025.
Presently, no flights are scheduled to take off or land between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, ensuring a clear window for uninterrupted work on critical runway and taxiway upgrades.
However, beginning July 16, this restricted window will be reduced by two hours, with flights resuming earlier in the day. The revised no-fly period will be from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, allowing some relief for airlines and passengers.
From August 16 onward, the airport is expected to return to full daytime operations, marking the completion of construction activities.
Three Major Infrastructure Projects Underway
At the heart of the airport’s overhaul are three major infrastructure development projects, each designed to enhance different facets of airside operations:
- Construction of a New Parallel Taxiway
- Runway Re-carpeting and Surface Renewal
- Modernisation of the Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) System
Together, these initiatives represent a comprehensive effort to elevate CCSIA to international standards and accommodate the growing volume of air traffic.
Parallel Taxiway: Enhancing Aircraft Movement and Efficiency
One of the most impactful developments is the construction of a new parallel taxiway adjacent to the existing runway, which measures 2,744 metres in length and 45 metres in width.
This addition will allow aircraft to taxi independently alongside the main runway without interfering with active flight operations, drastically reducing runway occupancy time and improving overall airport efficiency.
With more aircraft able to land and take off in shorter intervals, this new taxiway will not only increase operational capacity but also improve safety by reducing the chances of runway congestion.
Airport officials have confirmed that over 60% of the construction work on the taxiway is already complete, with the remainder progressing steadily toward the August deadline.
Runway Re-Carpeting: Safer, Smoother Takeoffs and Landings
In addition to the new taxiway, the airport’s main runway is being resurfaced for the first time in seven years—a critical task to maintain compliance with international aviation safety standards.
The existing surface, which was last renewed in 2018, is being completely stripped and re-laid with a new bitumen-based layer.
This re-carpeting operation spans an area of approximately 1.8 lakh square metres, covering not only the runway itself but also parts of the taxiway network.
The upgraded surface will offer enhanced grip for aircraft during landing and takeoff, improving safety in various weather conditions and prolonging the life of the runway.
AGL System Upgrade: Brighter, Greener, and More Efficient Lighting
As part of the airport’s drive toward smarter and more sustainable operations, the Airfield Ground Lighting (AGL) system is undergoing a full modernisation.
Outdated halogen lamps are being replaced with energy-efficient LED lighting, which offers better visibility for pilots during low-light and nighttime operations.
In addition to runway edge lights, upgraded airfield signage is also being installed to enhance navigation and safety.
The new lighting system is not only brighter and more reliable but is also expected to cut energy consumption by nearly 50%, contributing to the airport’s long-term sustainability goals.
Looking Ahead: A Modern Gateway to Uttar Pradesh
Upon completion of these transformative projects, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport will emerge as a more modern, efficient, and safer gateway to Uttar Pradesh’s capital.
The renovations are expected to improve flight punctuality, reduce delays, and enhance the overall passenger experience.
Officials at the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other involved agencies remain confident that all three major projects will be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
Passengers and airlines alike are eagerly anticipating the resumption of full operations from August 16, which will mark not only a return to normalcy but a leap forward in aviation infrastructure for the region.
In the broader context, these upgrades underscore the growing importance of Lucknow as an emerging air travel hub in India’s aviation map, aligning with the country’s vision of improving regional connectivity and building world-class airport facilities.
