Countdown to Liftoff
The skies over Noida are about to get busier! Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has announced that commercial flights will commence from the Noida International
Airport (NIA) in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, within a tight timeframe of 45 to 60 days. This pivotal announcement follows the airport's recent inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister indicated that essential security protocols are being finalized, paving the way for operations. Notably, a major domestic airline has expressed strong interest in being among the first to offer services from this state-of-the-art facility, signaling a robust start to its commercial journey. The anticipation for this new gateway to air travel is palpable, with preparations now in their final stages to ensure a seamless launch of flight services.
Aviation Hub Unveiled
The Noida International Airport represents a monumental greenfield project, poised to become a major aviation hub. Initially, the airport is designed to accommodate 12 million passengers annually, with ambitious plans for expansion to a staggering 70 million passengers per annum once fully developed. The first phase alone has seen an investment of approximately Rs 11,200 crore, underscoring the scale of this undertaking. Operating under the code 'DXN', the airport will be managed by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, through a public-private partnership model. The infrastructure includes a substantial 3,900-meter runway, capable of handling large wide-body aircraft, supported by advanced navigation and lighting systems, including the Instrument Landing System (ILS).
Phased Development & Cargo
The development of the Noida International Airport is being executed in four distinct phases, with a dedicated cargo terminal being an integral part of its design. Although passenger services were originally slated to begin in September 2024, the current timeline for flight operations indicates a near-term launch. The airport recently secured its aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), a critical step towards commencing operations. In its initial phase, the airport will be equipped to handle approximately 30 flights per hour at its peak. Terminal 1, spanning over 1,37,985 square meters, will feature 48 check-in counters, designed for efficiency and passenger convenience. Furthermore, over 40 acres have been designated for the development of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities, with a strategic partnership already announced to establish such a facility, enhancing the airport's comprehensive service offerings. The projected cargo capacity for the first phase is around 2.5 lakh tonnes.
