Cargo flight operations at Noida International Airport are poised to reshape the logistics landscape of not only Noida and Greater Noida but also western Uttar Pradesh. The new airfreight gateway offers exporters and manufacturers a dedicated hub closer to industrial clusters, benefiting sectors such as electronics, mobile manufacturing, automotive components, garments, pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce through reduced transportation time and lower logistics costs.
Advantages Over Delhi's IGI Airport
Industry stakeholders believe Noida's cargo hub will provide significant advantages over Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. Unlike Delhi, where trucks face no-entry restrictions for 10 hours daily and cargo movement is often hampered by heavy traffic congestion, Noida offers smoother connectivity to major industrial clusters. Businesses also anticipate faster customs clearance and lower warehousing costs.
Manoj Kumar Jain, managing director of logistics firm Deep Blue Xpress, highlighted the benefits: "Due to heavy traffic in Delhi, trucks cannot enter between 7-11 am and 5-11 pm, leaving them stranded for 10 hours. Noida has no such restrictions. Logistics cost, currently 12% of product value, can be reduced to 7-8% with the new airport's cargo facility, enabling swift delivery."
Boosting Local Industries and ODOP
Noida and Greater Noida have evolved into industrial hubs with nearly 12,000 units dealing in electronics, garments, mobile manufacturing, footwear, and plastics. These industries rely on importing raw materials and exporting products. Vipin Malhan, president of the Noida Entrepreneurs Association, noted that businesses previously had no choice but to use IGI, facing heavy cargo flow, traffic jams, and high warehouse charges. "Now, industries in Noida, Greater Noida, and Yamuna can send goods through Noida Airport," he added.
Sudhir Srivastava, owner of an electronic goods company in Sector 59, explained: "At IGI, imports from China take three days for transit but an additional three days for customs clearance. Noida Airport's lower volume will ensure faster release of goods." Although the airport currently operates only domestic flights, international flights and cargo services are expected within six months.
The cargo facility will also benefit thousands of MSMEs and the state's One District One Product (ODOP) program, which promotes unique traditional products from each district. Shailendra Bhatia, NIAL nodal officer, said: "Noida, Greater Noida, and YEIDA are industrial hubs needing logistics for exports. People from Ghaziabad, Meerut, Hapur, Aligarh, Agra, and other districts will use the airport to dispatch goods."
Integrated Cargo Terminal
Ramanathan Rajmani, CEO of AISATS, emphasized the significance of the first freighter flight at the integrated cargo terminal: "This marks a new chapter in India's cargo and logistics journey. The terminal combines cargo handling, warehousing, and multimodal connectivity on a single platform, enabling faster and smarter movement of goods. It will strengthen trade flows, support businesses across North India, and contribute to India's role in global commerce."
While IGI handled over 11 lakh tonnes of cargo last year, its huge flow often causes delays. Noida Airport's initial capacity of 2.5 lakh tonnes per year—roughly one-fourth of IGI's throughput—ensures efficient operations without congestion.
