“Uttar Pradesh’s aviation ambitions soar with the Lucknow-Agra Taj International Airport. Recent upgrades at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, including a new taxiway and runway, enhance connectivity. Agra’s proposed Taj International Airport aims to boost tourism. Safety measures, flight resumptions, and infrastructure developments signal a new era for UP’s aviation sector.”
Lucknow and Agra Airports Propel Uttar Pradesh’s Aviation Growth
Uttar Pradesh is cementing its position as a key aviation hub with significant developments at Lucknow’s Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA) and the proposed Taj International Airport in Agra. CCSIA is undergoing a major overhaul, with a new taxiway and revamped runway set to restore full operations by August 16, 2025. Since March 1, daytime flights between 11 AM and 5 PM have been suspended to facilitate construction, which includes re-carpeting 1.8 lakh square meters of runway and taxiway with a fresh bitumen surface compliant with aviation norms. The Airfield Ground Lighting system is also being upgraded, replacing halogen lights with energy-efficient LEDs to enhance night-time visibility and cut power consumption by up to 50%.
Safety concerns have taken center stage following a recent Air India crash in Ahmedabad, prompting stricter measures around CCSIA. A report by the Airport Authority of India identified 624 obstacles, including high-rise buildings and trees, violating height restrictions near the airport’s 27/09 runway. Authorities are contemplating demolishing unauthorized structures to ensure safe takeoffs and landings. Additionally, kite flying and laser lights have been banned within a 10-kilometer radius of the airport, a decision made by the Airport Environment Management Committee on June 23, 2025. The committee also ordered the removal of meat shops and encroachments near the airport to address security and hygiene concerns.
Flight operations at CCSIA have faced disruptions, with two international flights to UAE and Qatar halted due to Middle East airspace closures amid rising tensions. Air India canceled two Lucknow-Delhi flights for 25 days starting June 21, and 13 other flights were previously suspended following the Ahmedabad incident. However, services are gradually resuming, with the Lucknow-Srinagar route restarting on July 1, 2025, after a pause due to the Pahalgam attack. Tickets for this route are priced at approximately ₹7,000, reflecting strong demand for connectivity to religious and tourist destinations.
In Agra, the proposed Taj International Airport is gaining momentum as a game-changer for tourism. Positioned to serve the iconic Taj Mahal, the airport aims to attract international visitors, reducing dependence on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The project, still in the planning phase, has garnered attention for its potential to boost Uttar Pradesh’s economy. Discussions are ongoing to finalize the site, with locations like Dhanauli being considered for their proximity to Agra’s heritage sites. The state government is prioritizing environmental and regulatory clearances to expedite construction, learning from delays faced by other projects like Thiruvananthapuram’s Project Anantha.
Recent incidents have underscored the need for robust safety protocols. On June 16, a Saudia aircraft from Jeddah experienced a smoke scare in its landing gear upon arrival at CCSIA. Swift action by the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting team ensured the safe deboarding of 289 passengers, mostly Haj pilgrims. This incident, coupled with a technical snag grounding an IndiGo flight to Chandigarh on June 21, highlights the aviation sector’s heightened focus on safety post-Ahmedabad crash.
Uttar Pradesh’s aviation landscape is also shaped by broader national trends. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has mandated additional safety checks for Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft following the Air India AI171 crash, which killed 275 people. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau is expected to release a preliminary report soon, with “possible sabotage” among the angles being probed. These developments have prompted airlines to scale back operations temporarily, impacting connectivity but prioritizing passenger safety.
As Uttar Pradesh invests in its aviation infrastructure, the synergy between Lucknow’s upgraded airport and Agra’s upcoming Taj International Airport promises to elevate the state’s global connectivity. With tourism and trade as key drivers, these projects align with India’s broader goal of doubling its operational airports, despite challenges like urban sprawl and staffing shortages in regulatory bodies.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and publicly available information from sources like Times of India, Hindustan Times, and other Indian news outlets. All India Press does not independently verify the data and advises readers to consult official statements for the latest updates.