Commercial Operations to Begin in April 2025, Connecting Domestic and International Destinations

Jewar, Delhi – The construction of the highly anticipated Noida International Airport is in full swing, with the project slated to become operational by April 17, 2025. The airport, located in Jewar, is expected to commence commercial operations with 30 flights initially, linking India and the world. Of these flights, 25 will connect major domestic cities, while three will cater to international destinations. Two flights will be solely dedicated to cargo movement. The first international flights are likely to serve Singapore, Dubai, and Zurich, with discussions on specific routes still underway.

This airport is being developed by a Swiss company and is poised to become a key player in both domestic and international aviation markets.

Domestic and International Connections

With the launch of Noida International Airport, passengers will gain easy access to major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Dehradun, Hubli, and Hyderabad. Arun Vir Singh, CEO of Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), noted that some airlines have already submitted applications for international routes, though final approvals will depend on bilateral licensing agreements between countries. As for domestic routes, talks with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are already in progress.

Timeline Adjustments and Operational Readiness

Originally, the airport was expected to be operational by September 2024. However, after a high-level meeting involving key stakeholders—including NIAL, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, DGCA, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI)—the timeline was revised. Airline partners, including IndiGo and Akasa Air, are currently in discussions with DGCA and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regarding specific flight routes. However, the final routes will depend on negotiations between governments and bilateral agreements.

Earlier this month, the airport successfully calibrated its Instrument Landing System (ILS), which will assist pilots in low-visibility conditions. This milestone paves the way for further runway tests throughout the coming weeks. International flight bookings are expected to open 90 days before the first flight, while domestic tickets will be available six weeks prior to operations. The contractor company plans to apply for the airport’s operating license in December, and DGCA approval is anticipated within 90 days.

A World-Class Airport in the Making

The Noida International Airport’s first phase will cover 1,334 hectares and feature a single runway and terminal, with an annual passenger capacity of 12 million. The project will be developed in four phases. The terminal building alone will span 100,000 square meters and include 28 aircraft stands. Additionally, the airport will feature a 40-acre maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub and an 80-acre multimodal cargo hub, solidifying its role as a major logistics center for both passenger and cargo operations.

As Noida International Airport inches closer to its grand opening, it promises to transform regional air travel and strengthen India’s position as a global aviation hub.