PM Modi to Inaugurate Noida International Airport Phase I in Uttar Pradesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday, March 28, 2026, for a significant event that marks a major advancement in India's aviation infrastructure. He will inaugurate the long-awaited Phase I of the Noida International Airport, located in Jewar within the Gautam Buddha Nagar district. This inauguration is poised to transform air travel and logistics in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Schedule and Official Announcements
According to an official press release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Prime Minister Modi is expected to reach the airport site at approximately 11:30 AM. His itinerary includes a detailed walkthrough of the terminal building, followed by the formal inauguration ceremony around 12 noon. The event will culminate with a public address, where the Prime Minister will highlight the airport's importance for regional development.
In a post on his official X account on March 27, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the day's significance, stating, "Tomorrow, 28th March is a day of immense importance for the people of Uttar Pradesh and the NCR. Phase I of Noida International Airport will be inaugurated. This will boost commerce and connectivity. It will ease congestion at the IGI Airport in Delhi. The Noida airport is among the key greenfield projects in our nation. In addition to passenger services, it will have a robust cargo ecosystem thus boosting the logistics sector."
A Major Aviation Milestone for the NCR
The opening of the Noida International Airport represents a critical step in enhancing India's position as a global aviation hub. Designed as a major international facility for the NCR, it will operate in tandem with the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This dual-airport system aims to reduce congestion and significantly increase passenger-handling capacity, potentially elevating Delhi NCR to the ranks of top international aviation centers worldwide.
Infrastructure and Capacity Highlights
Developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the Noida International Airport is one of India's largest greenfield airport projects. Phase I has been completed at an estimated cost of around INR 11,200 crore. Key features include:
- Initial capacity to handle approximately 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), with plans to expand to 70 MPPA upon full development.
- A 3,900-meter-long runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft.
- Advanced navigation aids such as an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and airfield lighting for night operations.
Boost to Cargo and Logistics
A standout aspect of the project is its integrated cargo facilities. The airport will feature a multi-modal cargo hub with an integrated terminal and logistics area, expected to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of cargo initially. This capacity is projected to grow substantially to 18 lakh metric tonnes in the future. Additionally, a separate 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub will be established to enhance aviation services across the country.
Sustainability and Connectivity Focus
The Noida International Airport has been designed with sustainability at its core, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions status. Its architecture draws inspiration from traditional Indian elements like ghats and havelis, blending cultural heritage with modern functionality. Strategically located on the Yamuna Expressway, the airport serves as a multi-modal hub, seamlessly integrating road, rail, and metro transportation. This connectivity is expected to bolster economic growth in Gautam Buddha Nagar and the broader northern region of India.
The inauguration of Phase I not only marks a leap in aviation infrastructure but also underscores the government's commitment to fostering economic development and enhancing regional connectivity through innovative and sustainable projects.
