Jewar Airport Set for Launch Soon

GG News Bureau
Noida, 7th March: The Noida International Airport in Jewar has received the aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), bringing the project closer to the start of commercial flight operations.

Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport, described the development as a major milestone in the airport’s journey toward operational readiness.

“Receiving the aerodrome licence is a key milestone in our journey. It reflects strong collaboration with our partners and the rigorous work undertaken to ensure readiness for commercial operations,” Schnellmann said in a statement.

He added that the airport aims to deliver a modern and passenger-centric aviation hub that will also boost regional economic growth.

Officials said the airport will be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi once operational schedules are finalised.

The greenfield airport, being developed under a public-private partnership model in Jewar in Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, is expected to become one of the largest airports in the country once fully operational.

The first phase of the project, spread across around 1,300 hectares, includes one runway and a terminal building designed to handle about 1.2 crore passengers annually.

The airport was originally scheduled to begin passenger services in September 2024.

According to airport authorities, the licence issued under Rule 78 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937 confirms that the facility meets regulatory standards related to operational procedures, safety systems, infrastructure, navigation aids and emergency response.

The approval follows recent clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which granted security vetting for domestic passenger operations as well as domestic and international cargo services.

Officials said the airport’s Aerodrome Security Programme is currently under review with BCAS and commercial operations will begin once final security approval is granted.

Preparations under the Operational Readiness Activation and Transition programme are underway to ensure systems, processes and personnel are fully prepared for the launch.

Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh said the airport project has reached its final stage after nearly nine years of planning since site clearance was granted on July 6, 2017.

“With the grant of the aerodrome licence, the Noida International Airport is expected to be ready for flight operations within the next 45 days. The formal inauguration will take place once the schedule of the prime minister is finalised,” he said.

He added that the airport will serve as a major economic engine for western Uttar Pradesh by boosting trade, tourism, employment and investment.

A key milestone in the airport’s development was achieved in December 2024 when an IndiGo Airbus A320 successfully conducted a validation flight to test navigation systems and air traffic control infrastructure.

Airport authorities said major infrastructure is now complete and concessions have been awarded for ground handling, aviation fuel, cargo services, retail outlets, food and beverage facilities, mobility services and an airport hotel.

Airlines including IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express have already confirmed plans to operate from the airport, while discussions with other domestic and international carriers are ongoing.

Meanwhile, discussions with air cargo operators are also at an advanced stage, reflecting strong logistics demand from the region.