Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, formerly known as Amausi Airport, serves as the main aerial gateway to Lucknow, the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. Named after the country's fifth Prime Minister, this airport is one of the busiest in North and Central India. It is conveniently located and connects the historic city with numerous domestic and international destinations, playing a key role in the development of tourism and business in the region. The airport is constantly being upgraded to offer passengers modern service and comfort.

Lucknow Airport is known for its modern approach to passenger service. It consists of three terminals, including the new Terminal 3, opened in March 2024 to handle the growing flow of travellers. Passengers have access to a variety of services: from free Wi-Fi and lounges to duty-free shops and restaurants. Convenient transport connections, including a metro station, pre-paid taxis, and buses, make it easy and quick to get to the city centre. The airport also offers the "Pranaam Meet and Greet" service for those seeking personal assistance and guidance through all stages of their journey.

For the most up-to-date information on flights, services, and airport regulations, it is recommended to use official communication channels. Below are the main contact details for Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport.

• Official Website: www.adanione.com/lucknow-airport
• Helpline Number: +91 70529 00134
• Address: Amausi, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh 226009, India
• Email: lko.info@adani.com
• Social Media: You can find official airport pages on popular social networks (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) to follow the latest news and announcements.
• Lost & Found: If luggage is lost during a flight, you should immediately contact your airline's Lost & Found service. If you have lost personal items within the terminal premises, please contact the airport information desk.
• Customer Support: For general queries related to your time at the airport, you can contact the main phone number or reach out via email.

You can get to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) from the city centre of Lucknow in several ways, each with its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and amount of luggage. The journey from central areas, such as Hazratganj, usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, but it is always wise to allow extra time for traffic, which is common in cities across India.

Lucknow Metro is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to reach the airport. The Red Line of the metro has a terminal station right at the airport — CCS Airport. This is a reliable option to avoid city traffic jams. Trains run regularly, are air-conditioned and clean, and the fare is very affordable, making the metro an excellent choice for travellers with light luggage.

For the most budget-friendly trip, you can use city buses operated by UPSRTC (Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation). There are routes passing near the airport. This option is the cheapest but may be less comfortable due to potential overcrowding and lack of air conditioning. It is more suitable for experienced travellers ready to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere.

Taxis and Auto-rickshaws are the most popular choice among tourists. Pre-paid taxi services operate at the airport and in the city, where the trip cost is fixed before departure, eliminating the need to bargain. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Ola are also widely available, offering comfortable rides at a predetermined price. For short distances or travelling light, you can hire an auto-rickshaw — it is cheaper than a taxi, but be prepared to negotiate the price.

If you prefer to move around on your own, you can rent a car. However, consider the chaotic traffic on the roads. Many tourists prefer to rent a car with a driver, which ensures greater comfort and safety. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, paid parking is available with zones for short-term and long-term stays.

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) in Lucknow consists of three passenger terminals: Terminal 1 (T1), Terminal 2 (T2), and the newest Terminal 3 (T3). Each serves different airlines and flights, so it is critically important to check exactly which terminal your flight departs from before heading to the airport. This information is always indicated on your ticket.

Terminal 1 is the old airport building, currently used primarily to serve some budget airlines on domestic routes. It is significantly smaller and more modest in facilities compared to the new terminals. The architecture and interior retain features of past years, and navigation here is simple due to its compact size.

Terminal 2 was the main terminal of the airport for a long time, serving both domestic and international flights. After the opening of T3, most major carriers moved their operations there. Currently, T2 continues to serve a portion of domestic flights. It is more modern than T1 and offers a standard set of services, including several cafes and shops.

Terminal 3 is the new, ultra-modern, and largest terminal of the airport, opened to increase capacity. It has become the main hub for most international and leading domestic airlines. T3 features spacious halls, plenty of natural light, numerous check-in counters (including self-service kiosks), an extensive Duty Free zone, restaurants, and business lounges. The terminal layout is intuitive: the departure area is located on the upper level, and the arrival area is on the lower level.

A free shuttle bus runs to transport passengers between terminals, which are located at some distance from each other. This is especially important if you have arrived at the wrong terminal by mistake or have a connecting flight requiring a transfer. Ensure you have enough time for such a transfer. Inside each terminal, navigation is provided by standard signs in English and Hindi.

Time for check-in and security screening may vary. On average, for domestic flights, it is recommended to arrive at the airport 2 hours before departure, and for international flights — 3-4 hours. During peak hours, queues may arise in the older terminals T1 and T2, while the new Terminal 3 is designed for faster passenger processing. The main advice for travellers is to always verify the terminal number in advance and allow extra time for the journey and pre-flight formalities.

The history of Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, originally known as Amausi Airport, begins long before its official opening for commercial flights. Initially, the airfield was used for the needs of a flying club and government flights. A significant milestone was its opening for domestic passenger transport in 1986, marking the beginning of its journey as a key transport hub for the state of Uttar Pradesh.

A landmark year for the airport was 2008, when it was named after Chaudhary Charan Singh, the fifth Prime Minister of India. This decision highlighted its growing importance. However, the real breakthrough occurred in May 2012, when the airport was granted international status. This event opened Lucknow to direct flights from abroad and significantly stimulated the development of tourism and business in the region.

The airport's infrastructure has constantly evolved to meet the growing passenger traffic. In 2012, simultaneously with receiving international status, the modern integrated Terminal 2 was opened. For a long time, it was the main airport building, serving both domestic and international flights. The old terminal building, known today as Terminal 1, was repurposed and is now used to serve certain domestic budget airlines.

The newest chapter in the airport's history began with the commissioning of the ultra-modern Terminal 3 in 2024. This massive project transformed the airport into a world-class hub, becoming the new home for most international flights. Another important event was the transfer of the airport's management to the private company Adani Group in 2020 under a 50-year concession, giving a new impetus to its modernization and commercial development.

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the airport terminals, you will find various cafes and restaurants where you can grab a quick snack or have a full meal, enjoying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are stores, including a Duty Free zone, where you can purchase souvenirs, perfumes, and other goods.

For those who want to stay connected or get some work done, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Numerous charging stations for electronic devices allow you not to worry about the battery level of your smartphone or laptop. Passengers who value privacy and enhanced comfort can utilize the services of VIP lounges, offering a cozy atmosphere, snacks, beverages, and business facilities.

The airport is equipped with everything necessary to solve practical issues. There are bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs available 24/7. In case of illness, passengers can seek qualified help at the medical centre. For travellers with small children, special mother and child rooms are equipped where you can take care of your baby in a quiet environment.

Special attention is paid to the convenience of passengers with reduced mobility. The airport is fully equipped with ramps, elevators, and special restrooms. Additionally, you can always request assistance services and the provision of a wheelchair. If you have a long layover or an early flight, there are several hotels of various price categories located in the immediate vicinity of the airport offering comfortable accommodation.

At Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, passengers have access to a wide selection of establishments for a quick snack or a full meal. Dining options are available both in the public area (before security check) and in the departure area (after security), although the majority are concentrated in the secure zone.

For those in a hurry, numerous coffee shops and fast-food outlets are ideal. Here you can order sandwiches, pastries, tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Such establishments exist in both main terminals (T2 and T3) and are perfect for a quick bite before boarding. Most of them operate around the clock or according to the flight schedule, so you won't go hungry even at night.

If you have time for a more substantial meal, pay attention to the food courts and restaurants located mainly in the departure zones. Here, both popular Indian chains and establishments offering international cuisine are represented. Prices are generally higher than in the city but remain at an average level for airports. You can find both a hearty lunch and a light dinner.

Lucknow is the capital of the famous Awadhi cuisine, and the airport provides a wonderful opportunity to experience its flavours. Look for dishes on restaurant menus such as aromatic Biryani, tender kebabs (for example, Galouti or Seekh Kebab), and various types of curries. This is a great chance to enjoy local delicacies before departure. Most establishments offer an extensive vegetarian menu, which is standard for India. Many dishes also comply with Halal standards. Gluten-free and vegan options might be slightly harder to find, but you can always find rice dishes, grilled vegetables, or check the curry ingredients with the staff.

To ensure your journey through the airport in the city of Lucknow goes as smoothly as possible, there are a few points to consider. Plan your arrival in advance: for international flights, it is recommended to be at the airport 3-4 hours before departure, and for domestic ones — 2 hours. Airports in India can be quite busy, so extra time will help avoid unnecessary stress when going through all formalities.

The check-in and security screening procedures here are standard but have their own specifics. To save time, complete online check-in if your airline provides this option. During security checks, be prepared to remove all electronic devices from your hand luggage, including laptops and power banks. Sometimes there may be separate queues for men and women, which is common practice in the country.

When packing hand luggage, remember the standard restrictions on liquids: all containers must be no more than 100 ml in volume and packed in a single transparent bag. Make sure to put valuables, documents, necessary medications, and portable chargers (power banks) in your hand luggage — their carriage in checked baggage is usually prohibited. The choice of seat on the plane depends on your preference: a window seat offers beautiful views, especially on day flights, while an aisle seat offers more freedom of movement.

If you have a connecting flight, check in advance whether you need to collect and re-check your luggage, especially when transferring from an international flight to a domestic one. Passengers arriving from abroad will have to go through customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to go through the "Green Channel". Otherwise, for example, when importing large sums of currency or certain goods exceeding the limit, you must use the "Red Channel".

To save money, book a taxi through official counters at the airport or use trusted apps to avoid inflated prices. You can also take an empty reusable water bottle with you and fill it after passing security control at special water fountains.

In case of a flight delay, first of all, monitor the information on the departure boards and in your airline's app. Know your rights: for long delays, carriers often provide vouchers for food or even hotel accommodation. Having travel insurance that covers such cases will also be a big plus. While waiting for your flight, you can use the services of business lounges, cafes, or shops located in the terminal.