Lucknow Airport Guide 2025: Terminals, Facilities, and Travel Tips

Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA) is an international airport serving the people of Lucknow and nearby cities. The IATA code is LKO, which is also its airport code. Located 14 km from the city centre, inside Amausi, and before Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, it was called Amausi Airport. LKO was founded in 1986 and is operated by the Adani Group and the Airport Authority of India, which formed a public-private consortium known as Lucknow International Airport Limited (LIAL). Around 120 to 130 daily flights are handled by Lucknow International Airport, including more than 20 international flights. If you are travelling or planning a journey that includes LKO, you should know a few key things about this airport, which we will cover in detail.

Terminal Overview

The Lucknow Airport has three operational runways, on which all its domestic and international flight operations are conducted. All the terminals offer facilities for national and international passengers and are open 24 hours a day. Below, you can find more details about these three terminals at Lucknow airport for an overview. You can read about these terminals, which you might find interesting.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 was developed in 1986 and served only government and private officials. Later, it was expanded and used for international flights only after Terminal 2 was opened. The terminal has two arrivals and three departures, along with all the essential airport services and amenities travellers need, such as check-in counters, help desks, baggage services, and other facilities. According to the second phase of the expansion plan for Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA), Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 will soon be linked to provide better, smoother, and faster services.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 handled international travel demand, but it was later designated for domestic use only. Terminal 2 has recently undergone redevelopment and is renowned for its design resembling the folded wings of a paper plane, with the 200m-long wing-like cantilevers on either side of the building catching the eye. It has an area of 17,000 m2 and can handle up to 1,200 passengers/hour, but its capacity was later increased by 200 passengers per hour when the airport reportedly exceeded capacity. The Adani Group renovated the terminal in 2022 after taking it over in 2020. The terminal building will soon be transformed for airport administrative purposes.

Terminal 3

It is the newest terminal, built in 2018. It is the third passenger terminal, covering 111,362 m2, and is connected to the other two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2). Terminal 3 has completed its third phase and can accommodate more than 13 million passengers annually. A cost of ₹1,383 crore was incurred in developing this terminal and operating domestic and international flight services for up to 4,000 passengers through its 75 check-in counters (60 domestic and 15 international), six aerobridges, and other amenities. The terminal building has 30 lifts and five escalators for smooth transitions between the terminal building and its floors. Terminal 3 also has a dedicated multi-story parking facility that can hold up to 1,500 vehicles at a time.

See also: Mumbai Airport Guide

Airlines Operating from Each Terminal

Several airlines serve Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (CCSIA), which offers both international and domestic flights. Here you can find the list of airlines.

• AirAsia
• Air India
• Air India Express
• Akasa Air
• FlyBig
• Flydubai
• Flynas
• IndiGo
• Oman Air
• SalamAir
• Saudia
• Star Air
• Thai AirAsia

Transportation to and from Lucknow Airport

Various transportation options are available at the Mumbai airport, including prepaid taxi and cab services (local or app-based), metro, autorickshaws, public and private buses, railways, and more. It is up to you which transportation method you use and which you find convenient. These are some of the most popular ones.

Metro

• CCS Metro station is located within 100 meters of the Terminal of Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO).
• The Amausi metro station is on the Red Line, connecting the airport to the other parts of the city. 
• To access the metro stations, passengers can easily reach Terminal 2 and enter the CCS Metro Station. Within 1 km of the airport, the Amausi Metro Station is located.
• The nearest popular railway station, approximately 7 km from the airport, is Amausi railway station, which lies on the Lucknow - Kanpur Suburban Railway Line.

See also: Delhi Airport Guide

Taxi & Cab Services

• Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) also has a taxi stand outside the terminal gate from where travellers can book a taxi to go to their destinations.
• A prepaid taxi is available from the arrival zone.
• App-based cab services such as Ola/Uber, Rapido, and more are also available at the passengers' convenience.

Airport Shuttle & Buses

• You can find the nearest Bus Stand, located approximately 1 km from Lucknow airport, and the famous Bus Stand, Charbagh, is around 9 km away.
• The Lucknow City Transport Services offers AC and non-AC bus services to/from the airport to other parts of the city.
• If you find a free or paid airport shuttle service, then you can use it as well.

Baggage Services & Lost and Found

• Kindly comply with your airline's baggage guidelines since different airlines have different rules and regulations for luggage.
• Numerous baggage services are available at all terminals of Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO), including baggage claim and drop-off sections, the Lost and Found department, baggage wrapping, and more.
• For any concerns about lost and found, you can reach the counter office at Terminal 3 of Lucknow airport to report your lost items. If you need to contact the airline, it is lost on the plane. Contact the department during working hours only, between 09:30 AM and 6 PM (Monday to Saturday), at Terminal 3, Domestic Departures – Near Gate Number 3.
• To claim your lost baggage or item, you must first contact the department and submit the details. Once the Lost and Found team verifies, you can claim them. 
• Documents may be required at the airport.
  • Copy of Boarding Pass / Ticket number.
  • A letter signed by the owner, with accurate details of the lost item.
  • Government-authorised photo identity cards, such as Passport / Driving License / Aadhaar Card / Voter Card.

Check-in and Security Procedures

Flight check-in procedure at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO)

• Thanks to the friendly staff, flight check-in for any traveller is easy at Lucknow Airport.

• Kindly follow the airport signage to reach the check-in counters and KIOSKs.
• Once you have reached the airport, you can start your flight check-in by following the KIOSK's on-screen instructions or by presenting your travel documents to the check-in agent.
• Once your verification is completed by the agent and the KIOSKs, if you have any seat or meal preferences, you can make them and pay the fare difference.
• Lastly, receive your boarding pass and proceed to security screening at the airport.

Security Procedures at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO)

• Once the check-in is done, go to the security check area where your luggage is, and you will undergo an examination.

• Cooperate with the security staff, place all your belongings in the provided tray, and keep your luggage in the scanner.
• Once your physical screening and luggage examination are complete, take your belongings and proceed to the terminal to enjoy the airport's facilities and amenities.

Airport Facilities and Amenities

The Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) is always concerned with the comfort of travellers, whether they are travelling domestically or internationally. CCSIA offers a package of facilities and amenities to ensure a smooth experience for travellers, including fast Airport Check-in, Baby Care, Pharmacy, ticketing, flight-related services, and car rentals. Here are the most popular ones.

Lounges

• Adani Lounges and Adani International Lounge are located at Terminal 3 of the Lucknow Airport.
• At these lounges, you can easily enjoy the ambience, personal space, and amenities, relaxing before your flight takes off.
• Plenty of services are available in these airport lounges, including Wi-Fi, comfy seating, and appetising food and beverages.
• Special privileges are also available to selected travellers holding business or first-class tickets or membership in any exclusive credit card program.
• Lounges are open for service 24 hours.

Free wifi and Charging Stations

• Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected to the internet and loved ones for up to 30 minutes at a time.
• Any passenger with an Indian SIM card or phone number can easily complete the Wi-Fi registration process and connect their device to Wi-Fi.
• International travellers without a SIM or international roaming can contact the airport information desk and request a Wi-Fi coupon by presenting a valid ID. Then, they can select #LKO_FreeWi-Fi and use the wifi coupon code on the login page to start surfing the internet.
• Process:
  • Select #LKO_FreeWi-Fi
  • Enter your mobile number on the wifi login page.
  • Verify through a One-Time-Password (OTP)
  • Your free wifi plan will be active.
• Near the passenger seating area at the Boarding gates, there are several charging points so you don't run out of battery on your smartphone, laptop, or other devices during the journey.

Shopping and Duty-Free Stores

• Several duty-free stores, such as luxury boutiques, fragrance shops, and convenience stores, are located at Terminal 3 of the Lucknow airport.
• Most shops have fixed timings between early morning and late evening that align with the flight schedules.
• All shops accept both cash and online transactions made using credit cards and digital wallets.
• Some of the stores are Bon Voyage, Chappan Bhog, Da Milano & Rosso Brunello, Hamleys, House of Elixir, and more.

Dining Options

• There are numerous food and beverage outlets at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO), most of which are located in Terminal 3.
• Get authentic Indian cuisine and hospitality at the airport straight from the ancient culinary recipes.
• If you crave fast food, the top fast-food outlets are Subway, Masala Kitchen, and Dastarkhwan. For course meals, you can go to Masala Kitchen, Mitti Cafe, and Dastarkhwan.
• You can go to Cafeccino, Chai Point, Coco Cafe, Mitti Cafe, Nescafé, and Third Wave Coffee for coffee, tea, and beverages. There is a Mithai Box for desserts and sweets, and the Irish House for alcoholic beverages.

Special Services for International Travellers

All international travellers arriving at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO) can find numerous services specially designed to help them get things done smoothly. These special services include:-

Visa on Arrival

• Travellers may follow the Arrival signage and proceed to the Arrival Immigration Hall for immigration clearance.
• Travellers must show their Visa and Passport upon entering the Immigration Hall.
• Baggage clearances are processed through two channels, the Green Channel (where one doesn't have to declare) and the Red Channel (where one has to declare goods)

Currency Exchange

• Numerous currency exchange counters are available at Lucknow Airport for international travellers who want to exchange their currency.
• These are placed at Terminal 3, near the Domestic Check-in Hall and Arrival Exit.
• Different currencies can be exchanged at foreign exchange counters, but there will be a fee that may change daily as per market conversion rates.

Medical Facilities

• Travellers must adhere to safety and security standards and comply with health protocols prescribed by the Lucknow government bodies.
• The Airport Health Organisation (APHO) provides medical and health services; passengers must contact the nearest APHO health centre at the airport.
• Advanced life support ambulances are available 24/7.
• Sanitisers are placed strategically at the Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO).

Tips for a Smooth Experience at Lucknow Airport

To have a hassle-free time at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, it is advisable to learn about airport processes such as security screening, boarding, and flight check-in (including Web Check-in vs Airport Check-in). Here are some tips to help you have a smooth experience at Lucknow Airport.

• Plan your journey and arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures.
• Check your terminal ahead of time because the airport possesses several terminals (Terminal 1 - international, Terminal 2 - domestic and the new integrated Terminal 3 - both international and domestic).
• To travel easily, you can use the Lucknow Metro (Red Line) or hire a prepaid taxi at the counter.
• Parking is close to all terminals if you are travelling by car.
• At the airport, you can use the free 30-minute Wi-Fi and stay updated on flight information via display screens or airline apps.
• The food court offers a variety of vegetarian food options and snacks.
• Make sure to pack your baggage as per the airline and security regulations- liquid items in 100ml bottles and the absence of sharp items. You may bring your own food as long as it is well-packed.
• In case you need any help, staff assistance, wheelchairs, or priority services can be requested.
• There are lounges to pass the time when flights are delayed, and the duty-free stores in the international terminal are excellent for last-minute shopping.
• The Lost & Found counter is located at Gate 3, Terminal 3, for misplaced items.
• Have your ID, boarding pass, and documents ready to speed up processing.

Future Expansion Plans for Lucknow Airport

The airport authorities have planned major, high-impact expansions for Lucknow airport. Recently, it has been reported that the runway and parking bay will soon undergo enhancements to accommodate more aircraft. As per the LKO spokesperson, "expansion aims to enhance the airport's infrastructure and ensure that it is well-equipped to handle the increasing number of flights, particularly international services, as well as larger, more advanced aircraft. The project will not only improve operational efficiency but also support the growing demand for air travel in the region," Here are some major expansions that will soon undergo:

• The Adani Group will invest Rs 10,700 crore for the expansion project to increase its passenger capacity from 4 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 39 MPPA.
• Lucknow International Airport Limited (LIAL) now proposes expanding CCSIA to 457.1 hectares.
• A new terminal (Terminal 4) will be built as part of the expansion plan, along with three parallel taxiways, support services, and utilities.

Conclusion

Finally, Lucknow airport meets passengers' needs through its services and amenities, so if you have a flight departing or arriving at LKO, you need to have comprehensive knowledge of this airport. Hopefully, this guide has helped you get to know a bit of everything about the airport, including transportation options, which airlines serve, available services and amenities, web check-in and airport check-in procedures, and security and baggage. If it is your first time at the airport, you have enough information on this page. If you need more info about any particular service or guidelines, you can visit Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport's official website or reach out to its ground staff.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lucknow Airport

Which terminal does IndiGo use at Lucknow Airport?

Terminal 3 is where IndiGo Airlines operates both domestic and international flights.

Is there a metro connection to Lucknow Airport?

Yes, the airport is connected to the city by the Lucknow Metro's Red Line, and the CCS Airport Metro Station is at the front of Terminal 2.

Can I sleep at Lucknow Airport overnight?

The airport is open 24 hours, but officially, no overnight sleeping is allowed.

Are there vegetarian food options at Lucknow Airport?

Yes, a few vegetarian-friendly restaurants, such as Chai Point, Masala Kitchen, and Dastarkhwan. 

How early should I arrive at Lucknow Airport for an international flight?

It is advisable to be at the airport 3 hours before the flight leaves in case of international flights.

What are the different terminals at Lucknow Airport, and how do I know which one to go to?

Terminal 1 (International), Terminal 2 (Domestic), and Terminal 3 (Integrated Domestic and International).

Which airlines operate from Terminal 3 at Lucknow Airport?

Terminal 3 serves both domestic and international flights from different airlines, including IndiGo.

How can I travel between terminals at Lucknow Airport?

An inter-terminal transfer is not normally necessary for passengers; however, Terminals 2 and 3 are linked by a corridor.

Is there free wifi available at Lucknow Airport?

Yes, one can access free Wi-Fi (30 min) through TATA Wi-Fi; a mobile number registration is required.

Where can I find lounges at Lucknow Airport, and how can I access them?

The airport has lounges that can be entered with an airline membership or by paying at the door, but the locations are not specified.

Are there hotels near Lucknow Airport for layovers or overnight stays?

There are many hotels near the airport, including the Radisson Blu, which are suitable for layovers.

How early should I reach Lucknow Airport for a domestic flight?

It is advisable to arrive 2 hours before the scheduled departure time for domestic flights.

What are the transportation options from Lucknow Airport to the city?

Prepaid taxis, App-based cab services, and the Metro Red Line can reach it.

Can I book a prepaid taxi at Lucknow Airport?

Yes, you can book prepaid taxi services at the airport.

Does Lucknow Airport offer facilities for disabled or elderly passengers?

The airport provides facilities such as wheelchairs and mobility assistance upon request.

Where is the lost and found counter at Lucknow Airport?

It is situated in front of Gate No. 3 in Terminal 3 and remains open Monday to Saturday between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM. 

Is Lucknow Airport open 24 hours a day for travellers?

Yes, the two terminals are 24-hour operations

Are there duty-free shops at Lucknow Airport for international travellers?

Yes, it is situated in Terminal 1, for international travellers only.

How do I check flight status for departures from Lucknow Airport?

Go to the airport's official website or use your airline's app to get real-time updates.

Can I carry food inside Lucknow Airport or on the plane?

Yes, you can carry food to consume personally on the plane, including baby food, snacks, and medicines, which must be in your carry-on.