Noida International Airport in Jewar set to boost tourism, create jobs

The construction of Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar, alongside Yamuna Expressway, is nearing completion and will become operational by 2024. The development of this super airport is in line with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to boost connectivity and create a future-ready aviation sector for the country.

Spread over an area of 1,334 acre, the NIA is being developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), which is a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG. According to the developer, multi-modal connectivity, integrated cargo hub and facilities for maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft are among the key features of the master plan for the upcoming Noida International Airport. The overall cost of the project is estimated at Rs 29,560 crore. Once it becomes operational, it will be India's largest airport. It is strategically located and will serve the people of cities including Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, Aligarh, Agra, Faridabad and neighbouring areas.

Recently, the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) announced that it has nearly doubled the proposed allocation for the Jewar airport from the last year, allocating Rs 805 crore in financial year 2023-24. The decision was taken at the 76th board meeting of YEIDA in Lucknow last February.

NIAL Chief Executive Arun Vir Singh said that the airport -- under construction around 75 km away from the national capital Delhi -- will cater to 50 lakh passengers per annum in the first year of its operation.

Speaking about the transit hub, CEO Singh said that the country now has just 600-odd aircraft, but that it would soon have over 1,200 more planes, which will be introduced by a few big airlines. In that situation, he believes there is a strong chance of establishing a transit hub in Jewar and launching all Pacific flights from there.

Many experts have praised the airport project, stating that it will significantly boost the Uttar Pradesh economy in terms of jobs creation, exports, investments and much more.

Jewar Airport - A potent game changer

Not only that, it has also provided a thrust to land rates in the nearby area as plots of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) are selling like hotcakes at skyrocketing prices.

Improved connectivity: As the airport is located near popular tourist destinations such as Agra, Mathura and Vrindavan, it is expected to increase tourist arrivals and improve connectivity to these places. This could lead to an increase in revenue for the local tourism industry, as well as create new job opportunities.

New job opportunities

With an increase in tourist arrivals, the local tourism industry is also likely to see a boost in revenue, which in turn could lead to the creation of new job opportunities in the hospitality and travel sector. Also, the YEIDA had earmarked 1,050 acre of land for industries to set up manufacturing units near the upcoming airport.

Investment opportunities

Besides job creation, the project is also likely to draw massive investments in the region. The airport's construction has already led to the development of new hotels, malls, and other tourism-related infrastructure in the surrounding vicinity, giving the Yamuna Expressway a much-needed facelift. The governing agencies have also approved the proposal to add two more lanes to the Yamuna Expressway, which will enhance its economic significance.

Officials estimate the airport to bring in investments worth Rs 35,000 crore. In the initial years after completion, the airport is expected to yield investments worth Rs 10,000 crore for adjoining areas.

Gateway for goods

The airport's strategic location near the National Capital Region (NCR) and its proximity to the Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors could make it a major gateway for goods and services in the region.

Improved logistics

The airport's state-of-the-art cargo facilities, including cold storage and perishable cargo handling, could improve the logistics and transportation of goods, which could help reduce transit times and costs. The airport's proximity to the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor and Western Dedicated Freight Corridor could make it a major gateway for goods and services in the region. This could potentially lead to the creation of a logistics hub, which could boost trade and commerce in the area.

Trade and commerce

With improved logistics and transportation, the airport's vast size will also allow a high volume of shipments, which will ultimately provide a boost to the region's economy and create new job opportunities in the logistics sector.