Noida International Airport, which had initially planned to commence flight operations by the end of 2024, has announced a delay in its launch. The airport now anticipates commencing commercial services by April 2025, as stated in a press release issued on Monday. Construction work on critical infrastructure, including the runway, passenger terminal, and control tower, is currently in an advanced stage. The airport authorities have emphasized that the next few weeks will be pivotal in completing the remaining construction tasks.
In their statement, the airport authorities outlined, “Considering the current construction status, we expect to commence commercial operations by the end of April 2025. We are actively collaborating with our engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor, Tata Projects Ltd, and other stakeholders to maintain the pace of construction activities and ensure operational readiness.”
The airport has also secured concessions for various essential services, including ground handling, operation of commercial areas, and vital maintenance contracts. In its initial phase, the airport is projected to handle 12 million passengers annually and manage 96,400 flights.
Located across 1,334 hectares in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh’s Gautam Buddha Nagar, the Noida International Airport is positioned as a significant transportation hub. Situated approximately 72 kilometers from Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi, 52 kilometers from Noida, and 130 kilometers from Agra, the airport offers strategic connectivity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the airport in November 2021.
Drawing inspiration from Switzerland’s Zurich Airport, the Noida International Airport is being developed by Zurich Airport International AG. The company boasts a portfolio of 10 airports globally, including Zurich Airport in Switzerland, Noida International Airport in India, and eight airports in Latin America. Zurich Airport International AG has demonstrated a strong interest in the Indian aviation sector, previously holding a 17% stake in the Bengaluru airport within a Siemens-led consortium in 1999. Over time, the company gradually reduced its stake in the airport, finally exiting by selling its remaining 5% share in Bengaluru International Airport Ltd to Prem Watsa’s Fairfax in 2016.
The concession period for the Jewar airport commenced on October 1, 2021, and is slated to extend for 40 years. While the airport has established partnerships with several airlines, low-cost carrier IndiGo will serve as the airport’s launch carrier.
