Travellers planning to fly into or out of Lucknow in the coming months will need to reassess their schedules. From March 1 to July 15, 2025, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) in Lucknow will undergo extensive runway repairs and modernisation, resulting in an eight-hour daily closure from 10 am to 6 pm. During this period, flight operations will only be permitted before 10 am and after 6 pm.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved this large-scale runway renovation, which is aimed at enhancing safety standards and modernising the airport’s infrastructure. While the upgrade is necessary, the restricted flight schedule is expected to cause major disruptions to both domestic and international travel.
With an eight-hour closure window, nearly 80 flights per day will be affected, impacting around 20,000 passengers daily. Airlines have already begun the process of rescheduling or cancelling flights operating within the restricted timeframe. Passengers who have already booked flights during the affected hours will receive refunds as per airline policies.
What Travellers Should Do
For those planning to travel to or from Lucknow between March and July, it is recommended to:
- Check airline schedules regularly for updates on rescheduled flights.
- Book tickets well in advance for flights operating outside the 10 am to 6 pm closure window.
- Consider alternate airports, such as Kanpur, for more flexible travel options.
- Stay updated with airline notifications regarding possible fare changes and flight availability.
