Lucknow Airport to Shut for 8 Hours Daily Until July; Flights Disrupted, Fares Set to Soar

Lucknow: Flight operations at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA), Lucknow, will be partially suspended for eight hours daily from March 1 to July 15, 2025 due to runway repairs and modernisation work. During this period, flights will operate only before 10 am and after 6 pm, significantly affecting travel plans for thousands of passengers.

Impact on Flights and Passengers

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the airport’s closure for repairs, which will disrupt over 80 flights per day, leading to cancellations and rescheduling. Airlines have already stopped taking bookings for flights during the affected hours in March. Approximately 20,000 passengers who had booked tickets in advance will receive refunds as per DGCA directives.

Kanpur Airport to Absorb Spillover Traffic

With Lucknow Airport’s limited operations, Kanpur Airport is expected to handle increased air traffic. Some airlines may reroute flights through Kanpur to accommodate passenger demand. Travel experts believe Kanpur could see more domestic connectivity, potentially benefiting from Lucknow’s temporary shutdown.

International Flights Also Affected

The closure will impact both domestic and international flights, leading to significant disruptions for international travelers. Many outbound passengers may have to reroute through Delhi or other nearby airports.

Airfares Set to Rise

The restricted flight operations will likely result in higher airfares due to a supply-demand imbalance. Industry sources predict that fares on key routes, such as Lucknow-Delhi, which currently range from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000, could double during the affected period. Travelers are advised to book tickets in advance for flights operating outside the closure window to avoid last-minute fare hikes.

Passenger Advisory

Passengers with planned travel during this period should:

• Check flight schedules in advance to avoid disruptions.

• Monitor airline notifications for rescheduling and refund policies.

• Consider alternate airports, such as Kanpur or Varanasi, for more reliable connections.

• Book early morning or late evening flights to secure travel options before fares surge.

The runway repairs and modernisation are part of CCSIA’s expansion plan to enhance safety and accommodate larger aircraft in the future. While the temporary closure will cause inconvenience, it is expected to improve the airport’s infrastructure and operational efficiency in the long run.