Noida International Airport Set for Potential Inauguration by Prime Minister Modi
Noida International Airport, which secured its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on March 6, is poised for a potential inauguration on March 28, though officials emphasise that a final confirmation is still pending. The airport, located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, represents a significant infrastructure milestone for the region.
Official Invitation Extended to Prime Minister Modi
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced on Wednesday that an invitation has been sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the airport on the proposed date. Speaking at the launch of the book 'Nav Nirman Ke 9 Varsh' in Lucknow, marking nine years of the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath highlighted the state's aviation growth. "Uttar Pradesh now boasts 16 domestic and four international airports. The fifth and largest airport in the country is emerging in Jewar. We have requested the Prime Minister to inaugurate it on March 28," he stated.
Airlines and Initial Flight Operations
In preparation for the launch, three airlines—IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express—have confirmed plans to operate flights from Noida International Airport. During its initial phase, routes are expected to connect major metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru. However, the exact number of flights has not been finalised, indicating ongoing logistical planning.
Regulatory Approvals and Technical Readiness
The DGCA licence followed security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), underscoring the airport's compliance with national safety standards. Additionally, calibration flights to test the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) were completed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) in November last year, ensuring technical preparedness for operations.
Preparations and Safety Measures Accelerate
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the inauguration date, district authorities have ramped up preparations. District Magistrate Medha Roopam chaired a joint meeting of the Airport Emergency Planning Committee (AEPC) and the Airport Environment Management Committee (AEMC) to review readiness and inter-agency coordination. Key safety measures include declaring the airport a no-drone zone and prohibiting laser lights within an 18-kilometre radius to prevent aviation hazards.
Officials presented a detailed review of emergency response systems, coordination protocols, and infrastructure readiness during the meeting. Representatives from the fire department, health services, the District Disaster Management Authority, and YEIDA participated, emphasising a collaborative approach. Roopam directed agencies to maintain coordination for swift emergency responses and stressed the need for continued training of personnel.
Leadership and Future Steps
Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport, noted that the AEPC and AEMC committees operate under the Ministry of Civil Aviation's disaster management plan and DGCA guidelines. Officials reviewed mock drills conducted so far and called for further strengthening of preparedness to ensure a smooth operational launch.
While the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has not yet received official communication confirming the inauguration date, earlier statements by NIAL nodal officer Shailendra Bhatia suggested that formal inauguration could occur in the last week of March, with flight operations commencing within about 45 days thereafter.
