Kanpur Airport Expansion Plan Gains Momentum

The expansion aims to transform Kanpur Airport into a modern aviation facility with enhanced passenger amenities similar to those at major international airports. Planned features include a shopping mall, premium lounges and a wide range of passenger services designed to improve the overall travel experience. Once the land acquisition process begins, the design phase of the project will commence, with officials stating that the upgraded airport is expected to surpass other airports in Uttar Pradesh in terms of facilities and infrastructure.

The new terminal will be equipped with advanced security systems and modern passenger convenience facilities comparable to international standards. The expansion is also expected to significantly increase the number of flights operating from Kanpur, including improved connectivity to major Indian cities and potential international connections via key hubs such as Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Delhi.

As part of the development plan, around five acres of the acquired land will be allocated to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) for residential quarters and a permanent office. The proposal also includes a primary school for the children of CISF personnel, ensuring that essential security and welfare infrastructure is integrated within the expanded airport complex.

Currently, Kanpur Airport operates flights to Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi and Mumbai. Services to Delhi and Mumbai operate daily, while flights to Hyderabad and Bengaluru run three to four days a week, with recent adjustments reducing the Bengaluru service to three days a week. The limited connectivity is expected to change significantly following the expansion, with more flights, new routes and enhanced connectivity likely to be introduced.

Kanpur Airport Director Pradeep Yadav confirmed that the proposal for acquiring 100 acres of land has been submitted to the state government and stated that the expansion will proceed once the land is allotted. He noted that the project will fundamentally transform the airport into a modern, well-equipped facility. The expansion is being closely monitored by the Airport Advisory Committee, chaired by Member of Parliament Devendra Singh Bhole, whose earlier interventions helped initiate progress on the project.

With its ambitious expansion plans, Kanpur Airport is poised to play a stronger role in regional connectivity and economic development, supporting the city’s growing importance in Uttar Pradesh’s infrastructure and aviation network.