- Oct 29, 2025
Kanpur Airport (IATA Code: KNU) is the only airport serving the city of Kanpur, located in Chakeri, which is approximately 17 km away from the city centre. The airport is a gateway for local citizens to other Indian airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Not just that, it connects outsiders to the city's key tourist and historical attractions like Bithoor, National Chambal Sanctuary, Etawah Safari Park, Kalinjar Fort, and more. The Kanpur Airport (KNU) belongs to the Indian Air Force (IAF). Although its Civil Enclave is maintained by the Airport Authority of India (AAI), the IAF still manages the Airside infrastructure and ATC services. Let's discuss some essential information about Kanpur Airport (KNU) if you have a flight to or from there, including the terminal, facilities, Airport Check-in, and more, in this guide that you should know for your next journey.
Terminal Overview
Kanpur Airport (KNU) has only a single terminal where all its flights operate. The new terminal was inaugurated in June 2023 after observing the demand and significant growth in the passenger traffic at the airport, so that it can handle more capacity and get modern facilities. Currently, due to military presence, the expansion is limited. However, the new terminal is still managed and spreads over more than 6,100 square meters, comprising six hangars, a waiting hall for 400 passengers, eight check-in desks, and is equipped with other essential amenities.
See also: Tiruchirappalli Airport Guide 2025
Airlines Operating from Each Terminal
Kanpur Airport (KNU) does not have a bunch of airlines that are operating officially at the airport. IndiGo is the sole active airline that serves Kanpur Airport (KNU), from where it offers flight services to major Indian cities such as Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), Hyderabad (HYD), and Bengaluru (BLR). However, after the expansion of the airport and considering the market & demand for travel, some more airlines will soon start their flight services.
Transportation to and from Kanpur Airport
Kanpur Airport (KNU) has several transportation options that connect you with the city centre and other nearby stations. If you are coming to or from the airport then here are some information regarding the available transportation which you can find or choose for convenient travel.
Metro
Kanpur city has a metro line for rapid transit, but it is currently not connected to the Kanpur Airport (KNU). The nearest metro to the airport is Kanpur Central Metro Station, which is on the Orange Line and is around 13 km from the airport. You can find taxis and other local transportation to reach the metro, and after that, you can use the metro to travel across different parts of the city.
See also: Agra Airport Guide 2025
Taxi & Cab Services
One of the most widely used modes of transportation to or from the Karpur Airport (KNU) is the taxi or cab. You can easily book taxis from outside the terminal building or find prepaid taxi booking counters for ease. There an online cab service provider such as Ola, Uber is also available through which you can book a ride to your desired destination in the city on-demand.
See also: Ayodhya Airport Guide 2025
Buses
Kanpur Airport (KNU) is situated in the Chakeri area near the Kanpur-Allahabad Highway, where most of the buses travel all day. The nearest bus stations from where you can conveniently find local buses to travel to other parts of the city are located in the Fazalganj and Rama Devi Chowraha Areas, offering more connectivity opportunities.
See also: Pondicherry Airport Guide 2025
Baggage Services & Lost and Found
Kanpur Airport (KNU) has facilities for handling luggage and lost-and-found cases. Baggage service at the airport includes standard security screening and collection of checked luggage at the baggage drop area. The airport also facilitates the conveyor belt, helping the arriving passengers receive their luggage. Other baggage-related services include tagging and wrapping of baggage, and you can also find a free trolley service to carry your heavy luggage to the check-in counter inside the airport building.
You can also report your lost items at the airport's lost and found counter. File a complaint by providing the necessary details about your lost item. To claim lost property, you can contact the airport manager within 24 hours. You can also reach the Airport Authority of India website and request a claim by simply going to the lost and found section and following the instructions to initiate a claim.
See also: Bhubaneswar Airport Guide 2025
Check-in and Security Procedures
Once you have reached the Kanpur Airport (KNU) and are ready to take your flight, you will need to complete your flight check-in process to receive the boarding pass, and for that, you may need to stand in a queue at the airport check-in counter. To avoid standing in line, you can opt for Web Check-in options given by your airline. After completing the web check-in, you can download your e-boarding pass, skip the airport check-in process, and move straight to the security screening. However, not all passengers are eligible for the web check-in, so they can only check in at the airport.
Flight Check-in Process at Kanpur Airport (KNU)
- Visit the check-in counter after arriving at the Kanpur Airport (KNU).
- Present your flight tickets and other documents as asked by the counter agent.
- If you have something in mind about adding or removing a service from your ticket or any particular seat choice, ask them as well.
- The check-in agent will complete your check-in and provide you with the boarding pass.
- You can take it and proceed to the security area for screening.
See also: Jewar Airport Guide 2025
Security procedure at Kanpur Airport (KNU)
- Once you have reached the security screening at the Kanpur Airport (KNU).
- Take out your wearables and belongings asied in the given tray and put your luggage in the screening machine.
- Go near the security official and let them examine you. Be cooperative.
- Once you've done this, take your belongings and drop your luggage at the baggage drop area. Then, you can board the flight.
See also: Hindon Airport Guide 2025
Airport Facilities and Amenities
Kanpur Airport (KNU) is all set to accommodate modern facilities for travellers. Here are some facilities and amenities that travellers use, but they will soon be upgraded, and more will be added as the airport expands.
Lounges
- There are no exclusive lounges available where you can find VIP services at the Kanpur Airport (KNU).
- You can find equivalent facilities that are generally found in lounges.
- There are restrooms, common sitting areas, and waiting halls where you can relax and wait until your boarding begins.
See also: Ranchi Airport Guide 2025
Free Wi-Fi and Charging Stations
- Kanpur Airport (KNU) offers travellers free Wi-Fi service and mobile charging facilities.
- You can find numerous mobile charging docks or spots at different airport locations.
- Access to free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
- However, no official information is openly available regarding how to connect, how long it is free, or the fees for using Wi-Fi.
- You can ask the airport ground staff to find mobile charging stations and how to use Wi-Fi at the airport.
See also: Nagpur Airport Guide 2025
Shopping and Duty-Free Stores
- Kanpur Airport has limited shops where you can purchase everyday travel essentials.
- After the Expansion of the airport, more shops and stores may open as the passenger traffic increases.
Dining Options
- You can find a few spaces where you can eat at the Kanpur Airport (KNU).
- Several snack bars and restaurant offers indian light meals for on-the-go munch.
- Most of these snacking outlets are located near the security hold area in the terminal building.
Medical Facilities
- Kanpur Airport has medical facilities that are available 24 hours a day to fulfil the medical needs of the passengers.
- The medical facility is available at the Pass Section and controlled by the authorities.
Tips for a Smooth Experience at Kanpur Airport
To have a smoother travel transition, it is important to learn about some extra information that not only helps you get there but also makes you a pro traveller. Below are some of the best tips that most frequent flyers trust, learn, and remember if you have a flight at the Kanpur Airport (KNU).
- Be Prepared With The Documents: You must keep your documents handy and prepared before reaching the airport, as you may be required to present them more than once to the officials.
- Explore the Airport Amenities: Once you have arrived at the airport, you can explore the terminal's amenities until you hear your boarding announcement.
- Stay Updated About Flight Status: You must continuously check the status of your flight regarding diversions, delays, or cancellations since unfortunate events can occur at any time, making sudden changes in the flight schedule.
- Prefer Online Check-in: Don't get confused, learn about Web Check-in vs Airport Check-in, so that you can save your time and know which suits you.
- Early Arrival At The Airport: Try to arrive at the Kanpur Airport (KNU) at least 2 hours early so that you can easily go through the mandatory airport processes and still have time to explore and enjoy amenities for a fun and smooth travel experience.
- Understand Your Baggage Allowance: Pack lightly and know about your baggage allowance. Do not exceed the limit to avoid the additional luggage charges.
See also: Delhi Airport Guide 2025
Future Expansion Plans for Kanpur Airport
Kanpur Airport (KNU) has undergone a major expansion. A new terminal building is under construction, which will be a World-Class Civil Enclave able to manage more than 300 passengers each hour. This expansion includes adding and upgrading airport amenities and facilities, including the apron, airside infrastructure, new routes, improved connectivity, and more. Below are some key highlights of this airport expansion project.
- The operating authorities are undertaking the expansion and upgrade of Kanpur Airport (KNU).
- The Budget proposed for the expansion is nearly 150 crores, but it may increase.
- Among the modern facilities, the airport will have eight check-in counters, conveyor belts for arriving passengers, and a parking space that can accommodate 150 cars.
- Kanpur Airport's (KNU) expansion depends on numerous factors such as commercial viability, socio-economic considerations, and traffic demand.
- The operation of flights to or from Kanpur Airport (KNU) depends on the willingness of airlines.
See also: Cochin Airport Guide 2025
Conclusion
Let's conclude what you have just learned. Kanpur Airport (KNU) is the only airport serving the city, but not the state. It was designed and developed to ensure smooth connectivity of the city to other major metropolitan cities. The airport is well cleaned and maintained by the Airport Authority of India, which the Indian Air Force also controls. Essential services and facilities are readily available for passengers, so there would be no hassles during the journey. Hopefully, this guide has helped you find key details regarding the Kanpur Airport (KNU) so you can travel to and from this airport stress-free.
See also: Udaipur Airport Guide 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Kanpur Airport (KNU)
Q1: Which terminal does IndiGo use at Kanpur Airport?
A: IndiGo is operating all its flight operations from the single terminal at the Kanpur Airport (KNU).
Q2: Is there a metro connection to Kanpur Airport?
A: The answer is no. Direct metro connectivity is unavailable to the Kanpur Airport (KNU), although you can find transportation to the nearest metro station from there.
Q3: Can I sleep at Kanpur Airport overnight?
A: Yes, you can sleep at the Kanpur Airport (KNU) overnight, although no official data mentions sleeping beds at the airport; however, you can find a spot at the waiting area only if you are holding a valid boarding pass or flight ticket.
Q4: Are there food options for vegetarians at Kanpur Airport?
A: Yes, there are a few snack bar counters at the Kanpur Airport (KNU), where vegetarians can easily find several food options.
Q5: How early should I arrive at Kanpur Airport for an international flight?
A: No international flights are currently operated by any airline at the Kanpur Airport (KNU), but it is best to arrive 2-3 hours early.
Q6: What are the different terminals at Kanpur Airport, and how do I know where to go?
A: Kanpur Airport (KNU) has only one active terminal with two boarding gates, inaugurated in 2023. You can follow the signage when you reach the airport or see the boarding pass to know where to go.
Q7: Which airlines operate from Terminal 3 at Kanpur Airport?
A: There is no such terminal 3 at the Kanpur Airport (KNU), only a single terminal where IndiGo operates its flights to major Indian cities.
Q8: How can I travel between terminals at Kanpur Airport?
A: Kanpur Airport (KNU) does not have two or more terminals between which you need to travel.
Q9: Is there free Wi-Fi available at Kanpur Airport?
A: Yes, Kanpur Airport (KNU) has a free Wi-Fi facility throughout its terminal, and you can easily connect with and enjoy internet services.
Q10: Where can I find lounges at Kanpur Airport, and how can I access them?
A: Kanpur Airport (KNU) does not have a typical lounge facility for travellers; however, you may find some third-party agencies, such as Airssist, which provides exclusive meet-and-greet lounge access services where you can enjoy facilities.
Q11: Are there hotels near Kanpur Airport for layovers or overnight stays?
A: Yes, you can find several hotels that are spacious and affordable, suitable for layovers and overnight stays; however, these are a couple of kilometres away from the Kanpur Airport (KNU) and Indian Air Force (IAF) premises.
Q12: How early should I reach Kanpur Airport for a domestic flight?
A: Depending on your flight schedule, you should try to reach the Kanpur Airport (KNU) at least 2 hours earlier so that you can smoothly board your flight.
Q13: What are the transportation options from Kanpur Airport to the city?
A: The most commonly available transportation options from Kanpur Airport (KNU) to the city are prepaid taxi, car rentals, or online ride-sharing services such as Ola, Uber, RedBus, etc., which you can use to go from Kanpur Airport (KNU) to the city.
Q14: Can I book a prepaid taxi at Kanpur Airport?
A: Yes, if you are looking to book a prepaid taxi at Kanpur Airport (KNU), then you can find the prepaid taxi booking counters near the security hold area or outside the terminal building.
Q15: Does Kanpur Airport offer facilities for disabled or elderly passengers?
A: Yes, Kanpur Airport (KNU) offers facilities for special-abled and elderly passengers, which include wheelchair assistance, restrooms, parking, medical service, and more.
Q16: Where is the lost and found counter at Kanpur Airport?
A: The Lost and Found counter is inside the main terminal building at Kanpur Airport (KNU). You can also contact the Airport manager's office directly regarding your concerns.
Q17: Is Kanpur Airport open 24 hours for travellers?
A: No, Kanpur Airport (KNU) is not open 24 hours a day for travellers because it is a domestic airport with limited flight services and operates on specific flight schedules.
Q18: Are there duty-free shops at Kanpur Airport for international travellers?
A: Since Kanpur Airport (KNU) does not handle international flight operations, there may not be duty-free shops, especially for International travellers.
Q19: How do I check flight status for departures from Kanpur Airport?
A: To check the status for your flight departures from Kanpur Airport (KNU), you can use the airline's website, mobile app, or any third-party flight tracking site.
Q20: Can I carry food inside Kanpur Airport or on the plane?
A: Yes, if you obey the respective guidelines and restrictions of CISF (Central Industrial Security Force), then you can carry edible items inside the Kanpur Airport (KNU); however, to carry food on the plane, you must adhere to the associated airlines' policies.
