NOIDA: Delhi-NCR, already India's largest aviation hub, expanded further on Monday as flight services began at Noida International Airport (NIA). With the combined capacity of Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and NIA, the region now handles approximately 12 crore passengers annually—10.8 crore from IGI and 1.2 crore from NIA's first phase. This capacity is crucial for the megapolis to meet the demands of its growing population, aspirations, and economic opportunities. This figure excludes the Hindon terminal in Ghaziabad, which continues as a limited third base, making Delhi-NCR the only Indian metropolitan region with three operational civil airports.
For comparison, after Navi Mumbai airport opened last year, Mumbai's annual flyer capacity rose to a maximum of around 7.5 crore. NIA's catchment area is vast, serving not only NCR but also western Uttar Pradesh districts, attracting both business and leisure travelers.
The airport's first touchdown was an IndiGo flight from Lucknow at 8:05 am, while its first commercial departure was a Bengaluru flight at 8:35 am. A special flight carrying around 170 farmers, including 28 women, and government officers from Noida to Lucknow was flagged off by Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu. These farmers had contributed land for the airport. In Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met the farmers, expressing gratitude for their role in realizing the Noida Airport project.
"This is a double-engine government. It does what it says. It delivers on whatever it promises, and in future too, you will not have to feel disappointed or disillusioned with the double-engine government," the CM said. He also highlighted the cargo hub's benefits, enabling farmers to export produce directly to international markets. "Whether it is vegetables, fruits, crops, or fish, farmers will be able to export their produce through the cargo facility. A mango that sells for Rs 50 per kg locally can fetch Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 in international markets. Even after transportation costs, farmers can receive significantly better returns," he added.
Minister Naidu noted the immense potential in Noida, stating, "This is why the government has developed this international airport. This is a catchment area. There is excitement among people, industries, and airlines. In the coming days, international flights will also start from Noida."
IndiGo did not disclose the total footfall on the inaugural day but said launching operations to and from NIA marked a significant milestone for the company, strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing travel options for customers across Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh. IndiGo will directly connect the airport to over 16 destinations across India.
Aloke Singh, Chief Strategy Officer for IndiGo, said, "The opening of Noida International Airport marks a new chapter in India's aviation story. Delhi-NCR now joins a select group of global megacities served by multiple airports. For IndiGo, the privilege of being the launch carrier at NIA is more than a commercial milestone; it is a commitment to western Uttar Pradesh, to the broader Delhi-NCR, and the millions of travelers for whom this gateway opens new possibilities. We are proud to be here from day one."
Christoph Schnellmann, Vice-Chairman of Noida International Airport, said, "Today is a proud moment for everyone who has contributed to making Noida International Airport a reality. We are delighted to welcome our first passengers and flight operations. From the outset, our focus has been on creating an airport that combines operational excellence with an outstanding customer experience. We are excited that IndiGo has launched operations at the airport today, and we look forward to providing passengers with a smooth, hassle-free experience in an airport that reflects the hospitality, culture, and character of this region."
Actor Gul Panag was among the passengers on the first direct flight between Lucknow and Noida. However, it was a young passenger, three-year-old Safa Shakir Abid dressed as a pilot, who became the showstopper on Day 1. The Mumbai-based family took the inaugural flight from Lucknow to Noida, having done the same last year when Navi Mumbai airport was inaugurated.
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