UP Government Earmarks Rs 750 Crore for Noida Airport in 2026-27 Budget
The Uttar Pradesh government has made a significant financial commitment to the development of the Noida International Airport, allocating Rs 750 crore in its budget for the 2026-27 financial year. This substantial investment underscores the state's focus on enhancing aviation infrastructure to support economic growth and connectivity in the National Capital Region.
Budget Breakdown and Land Acquisition Focus
Of the total allocation, a major portion—Rs 700 crore—has been specifically designated for land acquisition required for the airport's third and fourth phases. This funding will facilitate the expansion of a proposed aviation hub and the addition of more runways, which are critical for scaling operations. Meanwhile, Rs 50 crore has been set aside for ongoing construction work, ensuring that development progresses smoothly alongside land procurement efforts.
State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, who presented a Rs 43,565-crore budget for the new financial year, highlighted that the civil aviation department received a total allocation of Rs 2,111 crore for 2026-27. Within this, Rs 1,965 crore was earmarked under the capital outlay head for airport infrastructure and related projects, reflecting a broader strategy to boost aviation capabilities across Uttar Pradesh.
Current Status and Phased Development
The Noida International Airport project is nearing a key milestone, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath indicating earlier that it is expected to be inaugurated this year. Although no official announcement has been made regarding the exact inauguration date, construction of the terminal and runway is complete. The airport, designed to handle 12 million passengers annually, is currently awaiting an aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to commence commercial operations.
Land acquisition for the project has been carried out in a structured, phased manner by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited:
- First Phase: Completed with 1,334 hectares acquired at a cost of Rs 4,588 crore.
- Second Phase: Covers 1,365 hectares, with land acquisition and compensation disbursement to farmers already finalized. This phase will include additional infrastructure such as a second runway, a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, and allied aviation operations.
- Third and Fourth Phases: Require a combined 2,053 hectares, of which 1,889 hectares are to be acquired from farmers across 14 villages, with the remaining land already under administrative control. Following the announcement of compensation at Rs 4,300 per square metre, officials report that farmers have expressed willingness to part with their land, facilitating smoother acquisition processes.
Future Expansion and Strategic Vision
The third and fourth phases are pivotal for the airport's long-term growth, allowing for further expansion that includes additional runways. At full build-out, the airport is planned to have a total of five runways, significantly enhancing its operational capacity. By the completion of the fourth phase, the projected passenger handling capacity is expected to soar to 70 million passengers per year, positioning it as a major aviation hub in the region.
Finance Minister Khanna emphasized that the government aims to develop the Noida airport not only as a key passenger hub but also as a centre for aviation innovation and research, alongside a robust maintenance and operations base. Once operational, the airport is anticipated to complement Delhi's existing aviation infrastructure, catering to the growing passenger and cargo demand across the NCR and neighbouring areas, thereby boosting regional connectivity and economic development.
