Adani Airports has unveiled plans to invest a substantial Rs 10,000 crore in the expansion of Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA). The investment will be made in phases, with a focus on increasing capacity, modernizing facilities, adopting new technology, and improving cargo infrastructure. The company has already spent Rs 2,401 crore on building a new terminal and landside road infrastructure, which has enabled the airport to handle 8 million passengers annually.
By 2026-27, the airport’s capacity is expected to rise to 14 million passengers with the completion of Terminal 3, Phase 2, which will require an additional investment of Rs 900 crore. The expansion aims to create a smoother operational experience by utilizing common facilities for both international and domestic flights, depending on traffic peaks. This model, known as swing operations, will combine modernization with technology and elements of art and culture to enhance the passenger experience.
The airport currently boasts seven fully operational aerobridges, can handle Type D aircraft, and has parking space for 15 aircraft at one time. Lucknow’s connectivity has been improving, with the airport now serving 42 direct routes, including 31 domestic and 11 international destinations. International passengers account for nearly 19% of total traffic. The city’s contribution to Uttar Pradesh’s economy is also significant, with Lucknow accounting for about 4% of the state’s GDP.
In addition to passenger services, Adani Airports is focusing on cargo operations, with a target of creating 50,000 metric tonnes of cargo capacity within the next five years. The company plans to introduce new international routes, including direct flights to Vietnam and Singapore, as well as other destinations. The planned expansion underscores Adani Airports’ long-term strategy to strengthen Lucknow as an aviation hub in Uttar Pradesh and support both passenger and cargo growth in the region. With this investment, the airport is poised to become a major player in the Indian aviation industry, catering to the growing demands of passengers and cargo operators alike.