CM Yogi Adityanath Pushes Kanpur Airport Expansion on Lines of Delhi and Lucknow With New World-Class Terminal

Kanpur airport expansion plans a larger terminal at Chakeri inspired by Lucknow and Delhi, featuring a mall, lounges, upgraded security and better passenger services to enhance connectivity and support international routes.

Kanpur airport is set for a major expansion, with a new terminal planned on the lines of Lucknow and Delhi. The upgraded facility in Chakeri will include a shopping mall, lounges and wider passenger services. Airport Authority officials say the project aims to create one of Uttar Pradesh’s most advanced airports, matching several features found at international hubs.

Under the proposal, the Airport Authority has asked the state government for 100 acres of additional land. KDA will arrange this land for Kanpur airport expansion, enabling larger infrastructure and more aviation services. Officials explain that once land acquisition starts, architects can finalise the terminal layout and technical design for the new phase.

Kanpur airport expansion to mirror new terminal facilities

The new Kanpur airport terminal will follow the design approach used at Lucknow Amausi and Delhi airports. Plans include a mall-style retail area, passenger lounges and other service zones inside the terminal. Security systems will also be upgraded. Officials state that all safety and comfort features found at international airports are planned for this project in Chakeri.

Airport Authority officers highlight the expected impact on connectivity once the Kanpur airport expansion is complete. With longer apron space and better terminal facilities, more flights can be scheduled from Kanpur. They add that connecting flights to overseas destinations will start from here. Direct routes to cities with international airports, such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi, are likely to become easier to operate.

Kanpur airport expansion and current flight operations

Kanpur currently has a limited network, mainly serving four domestic destinations. Flights operate for Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai from the existing terminal. Delhi and Mumbai flights run every day, providing daily links to these metros. Services to Hyderabad and Bengaluru operate only three or four days a week, which restricts options for many passengers.

Security infrastructure is also part of the Kanpur airport expansion blueprint. After the upgrade, housing and a permanent office for the Central Industrial Security Force are proposed. Five acres from the requested 100 acres will be kept aside for CISF use. The plan also mentions a primary-level school for children of CISF personnel within this zone.

The push for expansion followed discussions in the airport advisory committee. Committee chairperson and MP Devendra Singh Bhole raised the issue in an earlier meeting, prompting the Airport Authority to act. Kanpur Nagar airport director Pradeep Yadav said that a proposal for 100 acres has been sent to the government. Yadav stated that once land is allotted, the Kanpur airport expansion will proceed, and the airport’s overall look will change with several new components.