Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport will suspend all daytime flights from March 1 to July 15, 2025, due to runway maintenance work. During this period, flights will only operate at night, with take-offs and landings scheduled between 6 PM and 10 AM.
Runway Maintenance to Impact Over 80 Flights Daily
The airport authority has confirmed that daily maintenance work on the runway will take place from 10 AM to 6 PM, leading to the cancellation or rescheduling of over 80 flights per day. This move is expected to impact nearly 20,000 passengers, with airlines processing refunds for pre-booked tickets.
DGCA Approves Flight Suspensions
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted official approval on Monday for the suspension of daytime operations. Following this decision, airline websites have stopped displaying daytime flight schedules for March onward.
Airlines Adjust Summer Schedules
Several airlines have revised their summer flight schedules in response to the changes. Air India has rescheduled its two Delhi-bound flights to early morning, while Mumbai-bound flights will now depart at 8:15 PM. Other airlines are expected to announce similar adjustments in the coming weeks.
Previous Delays Due to Opposition from Airlines
The proposal for runway maintenance was originally drafted in October 2024, but airlines opposed daytime flight suspensions, citing major financial losses. Since most critical and high-revenue flights operate during the day, airline operators had initially resisted the move.
Kanpur Airport to Benefit from Flight Reductions
With daytime operations halted at Lucknow Airport, Kanpur Airport is expected to see an increase in flights to accommodate passenger demand. Sources indicate that the number of flights from Kanpur could rise, offering an alternative for stranded travelers.
Additionally, ticket prices on night flights from Lucknow Airport may increase, as the limited number of available flights could lead to higher demand and pricing adjustments.
The airport authority has advised passengers to check with airlines regarding flight rescheduling, ticket refunds, and alternative travel options before making their journey.