Major Update For Noida International Airport, Air Travel From Jewar Likely To Begin Soon

The path for commercial flights at the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar has been cleared after the airport received its aerodrome licence and key security approvals.

The development marks a major step towards starting operations at the much-awaited airport that is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity in the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh.

Airport Receives Security Clearance and Aerodrome Licence

Noida International Airport has received security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), removing a major hurdle in the process of obtaining operational approval. Alongside this, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted the aerodrome licence required for airport operations.

The information was shared by the central government, indicating that the airport has now met the necessary safety, infrastructure and operational standards required for aviation activities. With the licence in place, discussions with airlines regarding flight operations are expected to begin soon.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation said in a statement on Friday that the DGCA has granted the aerodrome licence for the Noida International Airport located in Jewar.

Capacity and Expansion Plans

In its first phase, the airport will operate with one runway and one terminal building. At this stage, it will be capable of handling around 12 million passengers annually.

The airport is planned to be developed in four phases. Once fully completed, the international airport is expected to handle up to 70 million passengers each year, making it one of the largest aviation hubs in the region.

Designed to Handle Large Aircraft

The airport is being developed as an alternative to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport. It will be capable of accommodating large aircraft, including wide-body planes such as the Boeing 777-300ER.

Officials believe this capability will help strengthen aviation capacity in the National Capital Region while easing congestion at existing airports.

Major Connectivity Hub for NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh

The Noida International Airport is also being developed as a multi-modal cargo hub and a major aviation gateway for the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh.

India currently has 164 operational airports. The government has set a target of increasing this number to more than 400 by the year 2047 as part of its long-term aviation infrastructure expansion plan.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu congratulated the Uttar Pradesh government on the development. He said, "The development of Noida International Airport is an important step towards strengthening aviation connectivity for the NCR and western Uttar Pradesh. This airport will be world-class. It will also boost regional economic development, tourism and investment. At the same time, it will help reduce congestion at existing airports in the region."

Why the Aerodrome Licence is Important

An aerodrome licence certifies that an airport meets the required safety, infrastructure and operational standards. It is mandatory for aircraft take-offs and landings, particularly for commercial operations.

The Noida International Airport project is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model involving the Uttar Pradesh government and the central government. The construction and development are being carried out by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.