NEW DELHI: Following a government directive requiring an Indian national as chief executive officer before becoming operational, Noida International Airport (NIA) has appointed its Chief Financial Officer Nitu Samra as interim CEO until a regular appointment is made.
Christoph Schnellmann, a Swiss national who has been CEO since August 2020, will join the airport’s board of directors as executive vice-chairman.
The Ministry of Home Affairs had recently rejected the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) proposal to amend the current rule that disallows expatriates from being CEOs of a greenfield airport. To avoid further delay in becoming operational, the already delayed airport has effected this change of guard.
“Changes to its leadership structure follow directions issued by BCAS that the CEO of an airport in India is required to be an Indian national. With immediate effect, Nitu Samra has been appointed as CEO on an interim basis, until the board of directors can conclude a formal selection process,” NIA said in a statement. Samra has been the airport’s CFO since October 2021 and has been closely involved in the airport’s development journey.
“Christoph Schnellmann will join the airport’s board of directors as executive vice-chairman. In this role, he will continue to support the project and its transition to operations,” the statement added.
In a statement, NIA said earlier this week it is “working closely with BCAS to secure approval for the aerodrome security programme (ASP).” Sources indicate it takes about 30 to 40 days for an airport to become operational after receiving ASP approval.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated NIA on March 28. It remains to be seen when the airport will start handling flights, but to avoid any additional delay, NIA has appointed an Indian as interim CEO.
For context, Goa’s second airport at Mopa was inaugurated on December 11, 2022, and started operations within a month from January 5, 2023. Navi Mumbai became operational on December 25, 2025, just over two months after being inaugurated on October 8.
Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd chairman Daniel Bircher said: “After the inauguration of NIA by the Prime Minister in March 2026, the goal was to enable the start of operations as early as possible. This management change brings the airport into compliance with BCAS requirements while maintaining continuity in the airport’s leadership team. The newly structured team will support a smooth transition into operations, guided by clear and transparent governance and a strong corporate culture.”
