“Uttar Pradesh is enhancing its aviation infrastructure with new terminals and airport expansions, aiming to boost connectivity and tourism. Key projects include Noida International Airport, set to be India’s largest, and upgraded terminals in Lucknow, Varanasi, and Prayagraj. These developments promise economic growth, improved travel access, and increased passenger capacity across the state.”
Uttar Pradesh’s Aviation Boom: New Terminals and Expanded Connectivity
Uttar Pradesh is rapidly transforming into a major aviation hub, with ambitious plans to expand its airport infrastructure. The state, already home to three international airports—Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi, and Kushinagar International Airport—is set to add more, with Noida International Airport (Jewar) leading the charge. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently announced that Uttar Pradesh will soon have 21 airports, a first for any Indian state, with five new airports in Azamgarh, Aligarh, Moradabad, Shravasti, and Chitrakoot expected to be operational soon.
The Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is a flagship project under a public-private partnership with Switzerland’s Flughafen Zurich. Scheduled to commence operations by November 2025, its first phase will handle 12 million passengers annually, with plans to scale up to 70 million by 2040, potentially making it India’s largest airport. The project includes a 3,900-meter runway, a modern terminal, and cargo facilities, aimed at decongesting Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and serving the National Capital Region, Agra, Mathura, and beyond. The Uttar Pradesh government is also developing an aerotropolis near Jewar to boost commercial and residential real estate, further driving economic growth.
In Lucknow, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, the state’s busiest, handled over 6.2 million passengers in 2023-24. Its new Terminal 3, inaugurated in March 2024, has increased capacity to 13 million passengers annually. Expansion plans include a fourth terminal, three parallel taxiways, and a cargo complex, with runway upgrades set for completion by mid-2025. These enhancements aim to strengthen connectivity to cities like Sitapur, Kanpur, and Barabanki, fostering trade and tourism.
Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is also undergoing a ₹2,869 crore expansion, approved by the Union Cabinet in June 2024. The project will boost its capacity from 3.9 million to 9.9 million passengers annually, with a new 75,000-square-meter terminal and an extended runway. This upgrade is expected to enhance Varanasi’s role as a spiritual and cultural hub, especially for pilgrims visiting the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Prayagraj Airport, gearing up for the Kumbh Mela 2025, is another focus of development. Its terminal, expanded in 2018, currently handles 350 passengers at a time, but upgrades will triple this capacity. Plans are also afoot to elevate it to international status, improving access for millions of pilgrims and tourists. Similarly, Agra Airport, serving the iconic Taj Mahal, is set to become an international airport by 2026, with a new terminal and runway expansion to accommodate growing tourist traffic.
Smaller airports like Kanpur and Gorakhpur are not being left behind. Kanpur Airport’s modernization includes new flight routes and enhanced facilities, supporting the city’s industrial growth. Gorakhpur’s Sri Mahayogi Gorakhnath Airport, with its single terminal, is improving connectivity to nearby districts like Kushinagar and Azamgarh. The state’s focus on the UDAN scheme has also spurred development in smaller cities, with airports like Meerut set to operate ATR aircraft soon, pending land acquisition.
These projects are part of a broader vision to make Uttar Pradesh a leader in aviation infrastructure. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia highlighted that the state had only six airports in 2014, but the number has grown to ten, with nine more planned by 2025. The expansion is expected to boost tourism, trade, and employment, while improving connectivity to tier-II and tier-III cities. However, challenges like land acquisition and skilled labor shortages, particularly for projects like Jewar, remain hurdles.
The economic impact is already visible, with real estate demand surging near airports like Jewar, Lucknow, and Agra. For instance, Dayalbagh near Agra Airport has seen a 44.8% property price appreciation over five years. The state’s strategic location and focus on infrastructure make it a dynamic hub for growth, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a key player in India’s aviation landscape.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, industry updates, and official statements from sources like The Hindu, Times of India, and Airport Technology. Information is accurate as of August 2025 but may change. Readers are advised to verify critical details independently.