NOIDA- Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) currently drives air traffic in the region, but the launch of Noida International Airport (DXN), Jewar, will bring a new aviation hub to Delhi-NCR. Airlines such as IndiGo (6E) have already expressed interest in operations from NIA.
Beginning in December, Noida International Airport will open commercial flights, aiming to relieve congestion at IGI and catalyze growth across the east Delhi-NCR belt.
Image: Noida International Airport, WikipediaNoida International Airport, Jewar
The upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar, developed under a public-private arrangement, is set to become Delhi-NCR’s second major aviation hub. It complements Delhi’s IGI (DEL) by providing additional runway capacity, route options, and regional connectivity to rapidly growing satellite zones.
From the outset, the airport will house one runway and Terminal 1 with capacity for 12 million passengers annually. Expansion plans already envision scaling up to 30 million passengers by decade’s end, and ultimately 70 million with two runways and multiple terminals.
The project covers expanding the land area from 1,334 hectares to over 5,000 hectares in the coming phases.
Air regional connectivity is a core goal. The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority has confirmed NIA will “complement IGI airport to meet the aviation demand of the region.” It aims to serve Noida, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Mathura, Agra, and adjacent areas.
Early airline planning suggests at least 10 domestic city links initially. The Uttar Pradesh government conferred a 40 year concession to the Swiss firm Zurich AG to develop the facility through phases.
The infrastructure includes a planned 87 acre cargo hub (via AISATS) and a 40 acre aircraft maintenance and overhaul (MRO) facility.
Passenger experience is emphasized: NIA will adopt a touchless DigiYatra flow from entry to boarding for domestic flyers, and is enabled to incorporate advanced screening technologies (3D CT, body scanners) once regulatory clearance arrives.
VIP and ceremonial lounges will be built, blending local architectural motifs and modern Swiss operational efficiency.
Photo: Noida AirportStrategic Benefits and Regional Impact
By situating a major airport in Jewar, roughly 60 km from Noida city, the development shifts the growth axis eastwards.
It encourages infrastructure investments (roads, metro links) in underdeveloped corridors. It also reduces pressure on IGI (DEL), mitigating delays, slot scarcity, and overcapacity issues.
Jewar’s airport is intended not only to serve as a domestic hub but to eventually support international operations. The master plan anticipates multi-terminal growth, two runways, and handling up to 70 million passengers annually.
Comparatively, IGI currently spans about 2,023 hectares and plans to scale up to 140 million passenger capacity over the next decade.
Photo: Noida International AirportChallenges and Execution Risks
Distance and connectivity present barriers: at 60 km from Noida, ground access must be robust to attract passengers.
Allocating flight routes and coordinating with airlines in a market already dominated by IGI demands negotiation.
Phased expansion involves financial, regulatory, and technical risks. Integration of advanced screening and smart airport systems depends on evolving regulations.
Photo- Noida International Airport (X) Implementation Timeline and Phases
- Phase I: One runway, Terminal 1, handling 12 million passengers annually, with cargo facility and MRO planning underway.
- Phase II and beyond: Additional terminal construction, a second runway, parking, apron expansion, and full land acquisition to reach 5,000+ hectares.
Capacity will be gradually scaled to 30 million and then 70 million passengers per year. Zurich AG holds the build operate concession for 40 years.
Photo: Noida AirportInfrastructure Integration and Connectivity
To succeed, Jewar must embed itself in regional transportation networks: expressways, metro/rail links, intermodal hubs, and last-mile transit.
Coordinated planning with state and central governments is essential to ensure catchment access. Future expansions must align with urban planning in Noida, Ghaziabad, and satellite towns.
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