The much-anticipated inauguration of the Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar remains without a fixed date, as officials confirmed on Monday that the crucial aerodrome licence is still awaited. This update comes just days after Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level review of the construction progress at the site.
Key Hurdle: Pending Aerodrome Licence and Security Clearances
Rakesh Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA), stated that the airport has not yet received the mandatory aerodrome licence to commence operations. He clarified that while the remaining construction work is slated for completion within the next two days, the final green light hinges on regulatory approvals.
"Some observations were noted regarding the formalities required for the aerodrome licence. We need to get multiple security clearances from several institutions and we are trying to finish it," Singh explained. He emphasized that the inauguration process will begin immediately upon receipt of the licence.
High-Level Review and Security Focus
The uncertainty over the launch date follows a significant review meeting chaired by CM Yogi Adityanath on Thursday, November 27. The meeting, held at the airport's boardroom, was also attended by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.
During the review, Adityanath directed officials to accelerate all pending work, with a special emphasis on security aspects. He called for strengthened coordination with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to ensure all safety norms are met promptly. The CM described the project as one of the state's most ambitious infrastructure undertakings and insisted on completing remaining work with speed and the highest quality standards.
A detailed presentation on the project's status, upcoming milestones, and inauguration preparations was shared during this high-level meeting.
The Scale and Future of Noida International Airport
Once operational, the Noida International Airport is poised to become a major aviation hub. In its initial phase, the airport will function with a single runway and an annual passenger capacity of approximately 12 million.
The long-term vision for the airport is monumental. Upon full development, it is planned to span across 11,750 acres, feature five runways, and have the capability to handle up to 300 million passengers annually. This scale is expected to position it among the largest airports in the world, significantly boosting connectivity and economic activity in the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh.
For now, all eyes are on the pending regulatory clearances that stand between the completed infrastructure and its operational debut. Officials remain engaged in fast-paced efforts to secure the necessary licences and clearances to open the airport's doors to the public.
