Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar is gearing up to start operations by the end of this year, with its inauguration scheduled for October 30 and commercial flights expected to take off within 45 days. The much-anticipated greenfield airport’s Phase 1 is nearly complete, featuring a runway, passenger terminal, and cargo terminal. IndiGo and Akasa Air have already been confirmed as launch carriers.
Launch Timeline on Track
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu recently announced that NIA will be inaugurated on October 30, with flight operations on 10 initial routes commencing within the following 45 days. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to starting commercial operations by the end of 2025.
Originally scheduled to open in September 2024, the airport project — launched in 2019 and delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic — is set to become India’s largest airport once fully developed by 2050.
Phase 1 Nears Completion
The first phase includes a single runway and a passenger terminal with an annual capacity of 12 million passengers. Technical installations and finishing works inside the terminal are currently underway, alongside an Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme to ensure seamless functioning from day one.
“Phase 1 construction is progressing steadily, and we remain on schedule for commissioning this year. The validation flight was successfully completed in December 2024, confirming the readiness of navigational aids, approach procedures, and ATC systems,” said Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport.
The next major step is the issuance of the aerodrome licence by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Once approved, operations will begin in coordination with airlines and stakeholders to ensure a smooth and safe launch.
Importantly, the airport’s runway will be CAT III-compliant, allowing flight operations even during low-visibility conditions such as dense fog — a critical capability for North India’s winter weather.
Domestic and International Services
While IndiGo will serve as the inaugural airline, Akasa Air will operate both domestic and international flights from the new facility. Discussions are also underway with several foreign carriers.
“Airlines from the Middle East and Southeast Asia have shown strong interest in operating from NIA. Route planning and slot allocation talks are ongoing, and further announcements will be made closer to the commencement of operations,” Schnellmann added.
Cargo and MRO Infrastructure Expanding
Beyond passenger services, the airport is also advancing cargo and maintenance infrastructure. Its cargo terminal — developed in collaboration with Air India SATS — is nearing completion and will soon begin its ORAT programme. Designed as a Multi-Modal Cargo Hub (MMCH), the facility will serve key industrial and commercial centres across northern India.
NIA has also invited expressions of interest for a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility, receiving strong interest from multiple players. The MRO development is part of the airport’s long-term vision to evolve into a comprehensive aviation hub.
Employment and Regional Impact
The project has already created significant employment opportunities, with nearly 9,000 workers currently on-site. Thousands more jobs are expected in the coming years as work on subsequent phases accelerates. Once fully operational, NIA will be capable of handling up to 70 million passengers annually.
Developed under a public-private partnership model, the airport is being built by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
Situated adjacent to the Yamuna Expressway, NIA will become the National Capital Region’s second international airport after Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA). Located approximately 75 km from Delhi, its catchment area will cover the wider NCR, including parts of Haryana, Rajasthan, and western Uttar Pradesh, strengthening the region’s air connectivity and logistics ecosystem.
