PM Modi To Inaugurate Noida International Airport On March 28, Major Boost For NCR Connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the much-awaited Noida International Airport in Jewar, Greater Noida, on March 28, 2026. The date was earlier indicated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during an event in Lucknow.

The opening of the airport marks a major milestone for the region, as it is expected to reduce congestion at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and improve overall connectivity across the National Capital Region (NCR).

A Major Step for India's Aviation Sector

Located in Jewar in Gautam Buddh Nagar, the Noida International Airport is set to become India's largest airport once fully operational. In its first phase, the airport will have one runway and a capacity to handle around 1.2 crore passengers annually.

Officials estimate that nearly 150 flights will operate daily in the initial stage, making it a significant addition to India's aviation network.

Modern Infrastructure and Key Features

The airport has been designed with advanced and passenger-friendly infrastructure. It will feature a 3.9 km long runway, capable of handling large aircraft and high passenger traffic.

To improve passenger experience, the airport will include 10 aerobridges, allowing direct boarding from the terminal to aircraft. In addition, three temporary aerobridges will be available for flexible use.

Safety and efficiency have also been prioritised. The airport will have an advanced Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) tower with 180-degree monitoring, along with modern ATRS baggage screening systems for faster and more accurate security checks.

Another key highlight is its focus on sustainability, with solar power usage and infrastructure designed to prevent waterlogging, ensuring smooth access even during heavy rains.

Flights to Begin Soon After Inauguration

Following the inauguration, domestic passenger flights and cargo operations are expected to begin almost immediately. This will help improve travel options for passengers and strengthen logistics and cargo movement in the region.

Massive Scale and Future Expansion Plans

The airport project is being developed on a massive scale. The first phase covers around 1,327 hectares, while the total planned development will extend up to nearly 5,000 hectares.

So far, about 6,700 acres of land have been acquired, with more land expected to be added in the coming months. The government has invested around ₹5,000 crore in land acquisition and nearly ₹7,000 crore in construction.

A major feature of the project is the Multi-Modal Cargo Hub, spread across 87 acres, which will handle up to 2.5 lakh tonnes of freight annually.

Long-Term Vision: Among the World's Largest Airports

Once fully completed, the Noida International Airport is expected to cover around 11,750 acres and include multiple runways. It is projected to handle up to 300 million passengers annually, placing it among the largest airports in the world.

In the long run, the airport aims to significantly transform air travel in northern India by handling both domestic and international traffic at a large scale.

Expansion Linked to Passenger Growth

The airport's expansion will take place in phases. Initially, it will operate with a single runway and a capacity of 12 million passengers. As passenger numbers grow beyond 1 crore annually, construction of additional runways will begin.

With two runways, the airport is expected to handle around 7 crore passengers per year, further increasing its capacity.

Boost to Connectivity and Economy

The airport is expected to bring major benefits to the region, including:

• Improved connectivity across NCR and nearby states
• Growth in logistics and cargo operations
• Rise in real estate development
• Creation of new job opportunities

Additionally, the upcoming Ghaziabad-Jewar Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), expected to be partially operational by 2027, will further enhance connectivity to the airport.

The inauguration of Noida International Airport marks a significant step in India's infrastructure development. With modern facilities, large capacity, and future expansion plans, the airport is set to become a key aviation hub.

As operations begin, it is expected to not only ease travel for passengers but also drive economic growth and regional development in the years ahead.