The crucial question of whether the much-anticipated Noida International Airport (NIA) will become operational before the end of the current fiscal year in March 2026 is set to be answered this Christmas. The decision hinges on a high-level review meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 25th, 2025.
Christmas Review to Decide Airport's Fate
Union Aviation Secretary Samir Sinha will chair a critical meeting on Christmas Day to assess the progress at the Noida International Airport site. The review will involve all key agencies, including the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), alongside NIA executives. The outcome of this meeting will determine the airport's readiness for a formal inauguration, which must then be scheduled through the Prime Minister's Office.
At least 45 days are required between a formal inauguration and an airport becoming operational for commercial flights. Therefore, securing an inauguration date in January 2026 is critical if the airport is to commence operations within the 2025-26 fiscal year and scale up in time for the peak summer travel season.
Key Hurdles: Security and Infrastructure Gaps
Despite significant construction progress, several vital elements remain unfinished, casting doubt on the timeline. A major concern is the incomplete perimeter wall, a fundamental security feature. Sources indicate that until recently, the wall was not ready, forcing authorities to set up temporary watch towers along the boundary that require proper illumination.
Furthermore, passenger flow areas in both arrival and departure sections are reportedly porous at certain points. This vulnerability could lead to security mix-ups, such as unauthorized contact or item transfers between arriving and departing passengers. "This needs to be plugged," emphasized a source familiar with the developments.
Another pending issue is the certification of bomb disposal equipment by the CISF. Additionally, the aviation ministry is engaged with the home ministry regarding the security clearance for NIA's CEO, Christoph Schnellmann, who is a foreign national. Authorities have pointed to precedents like the foreign CEOs of Air India and IndiGo to support the case. Schnellmann, an experienced hand in Indian aviation, was involved in the construction of Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport.
The Road Ahead: ORAT and Gradual Ramp-Up
Once the security and infrastructure gaps are addressed, the focus will shift to the "Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer" (ORAT) process. This specialized procedure bridges the gap between construction completion and full operational capability, ensuring all systems are tested and personnel are trained.
As seen with other recent Indian airport projects, a phased start is standard practice. The Navi Mumbai Airport, inaugurated on October 8, 2025, began flight operations on December 25, 2025—a gap of two and a half months. Similarly, Goa's Mopa airport saw a 25-day gap between its inauguration and operational start in late 2022 and early 2023.
Christoph Schnellmann has previously indicated that NIA will begin cautiously with a "limited window of daytime operations" for the initial weeks before gradually introducing night flights. This measured approach allows for the identification and resolution of teething troubles common in large-scale infrastructure projects.
The Christmas review led by Secretary Sinha is therefore the pivotal next step, deciding if the Noida International Airport project can clear its final hurdles and take off on schedule.
