Noida International Airport Set for October 30 Inauguration, Connecting 10 Cities in First Phase
In a landmark development for India's aviation sector, the new Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar will be officially inaugurated on October 30, with passenger operations scheduled to commence within 45 days of the launch. The announcement, made by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, marks the culmination of a highly anticipated and long-delayed project, positioning the new airport as a critical second gateway for the National Capital Region and a major hub for domestic travel.
Initial Operations to Focus on Major Metros
The airport will begin its journey by connecting to approximately 10 major cities across India, with an initial focus on high-traffic metro routes. Minister Naidu confirmed that key destinations like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Kolkata will be among the first to be linked, establishing the airport as a significant player in the domestic market from day one. In addition to passenger services, the minister also highlighted the immense potential for cargo flights, a sector that is poised for significant growth.
This initial phase of operations will be anchored by two key airline partners. The country's largest carrier, IndiGo, has been signed on as the official launch airline, a move that guarantees a strong network and high flight frequency from the outset. Adding to this is a strategic partnership with Akasa Air, which plans to use the Noida airport as a major hub, connecting both metro and regional routes and further enhancing the airport's connectivity.
A Flurry of Final Preparations
With the inauguration date now set, the final preparations are in full swing. The core infrastructure of the airport, including a single runway and a state-of-the-art terminal, is already in place, with teams now applying the finishing touches. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is simultaneously installing the necessary equipment in the new air traffic control tower to ensure it is fully operational.
To guarantee a seamless launch, a comprehensive Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) program is currently underway. This involves a series of rigorous trial runs and system simulations for everything from baggage handling and check-in to security scanning and boarding. Crucially, the airport has already received its airside security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), a mandatory prerequisite for the final aerodrome license, which will be issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following a final inspection.
Overcoming Delays to Realise a Grand Vision
The journey to this inauguration has not been without its challenges. The greenfield project has faced significant delays, with the original completion deadline of September 2024 being pushed back multiple times due to pending construction work. These delays prompted the state government to impose a hefty daily penalty on the concessionaire to expedite the process.
The October 30 launch, which is expected to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks the completion of the project's first phase. This initial stage includes a terminal designed to handle 12 million passengers annually, a figure that is projected to grow to an immense 70 million upon the completion of all four planned phases. The airport has also been built with a strong focus on security, incorporating advanced design principles, over 350 high-resolution cameras, and a centralized security operations center to ensure the safety of the six million passengers it is expected to serve in its first year alone.
