Asia’s Largest International Airport to handle 6 Million Passengers in its First Year

NOIDA- The upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) is set to handle around six million passengers in its first year of commercial operations, according to industry sources. The greenfield airport near Delhi (DEL) is preparing to begin domestic and cargo flights from the fourth quarter of 2025.

Airline major IndiGo (6E) is expected to be the first carrier to launch services from the airport. In parallel, regulatory authorities and NIA’s management are finalizing operational approvals, including tariffs, safety checks, and readiness trials, Hindu BusinessLine reported

Photo: Noida International Airport (NIA)

Noida Airport Passengers Capacity

Construction at Noida International Airport has reached a critical stage, with most aeronautical infrastructure now in place.

Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of NIA, confirmed that the roofing of the passenger terminal building has been completed, while interior finishing and technical system installations are underway.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is currently commissioning equipment in the air traffic control tower. In parallel, the airport is running a comprehensive Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) program. This includes trial runs, simulations, and system tests covering baggage handling, security checkpoints, check-in counters, and boarding gates.

Terminal trials, launched earlier this year, are focusing on real-time passenger flow, integration of systems, and coordination among airline and ground handling partners.

Cargo infrastructure is also progressing, with the terminal nearing completion. ORAT activities for cargo operations are scheduled to begin soon, alongside the commissioning of the fuel farm and hydrant system.

The airport’s next major milestone will be the issuance of an aerodrome licence by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Photo: Noida Airport

Tariff Structure and Passenger Charges

The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has released an interim tariff order for NIA. According to this, departing domestic passengers will be charged a User Development Fee (UDF) of ₹490, while international departures will pay ₹980.

Arriving passengers will also incur charges—₹210 for domestic and ₹420 for international arrivals. All amounts are subject to applicable taxes.

This ad hoc tariff order will remain valid until 31 March 2026, or until a final decision is issued by the regulator. These charges are intended to support the airport’s early operations and infrastructure costs during the first years of service.

Image: Noida International Airport, Wikipedia

Capacity and Expansion Plans

In its first development phase, Noida International Airport will feature one runway and one terminal, designed to handle up to 12 million passengers annually.

While initial operations are expected to carry about six million travelers, the airport has long-term plans for significant expansion.

By the time the fourth phase is complete, NIA is projected to manage up to 70 million passengers per year. This expansion is intended to ease congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and strengthen the National Capital Region’s role as a global aviation hub.

Photo- Noida International Airport (X)

Delays and Construction Challenges

The airport has faced delays in meeting earlier deadlines. Originally targeted for the end of 2024, then revised to April 2025, the completion timeline slipped due to supply chain constraints, particularly the sourcing of structural steel and roofing materials.

The revised schedule now points to the last quarter of 2025 for commercial launch.

Despite these setbacks, progress has accelerated in recent months, with trial runs and equipment installation entering their final stages.

Photo: Bhavya Velani, Aviation A2Z

Airline Partnerships and Interest

IndiGo (6E), India’s largest airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NIA to be the first carrier to operate flights from the airport.

Several international airlines have also expressed interest in launching services once the airport opens, although specific agreements are yet to be finalized.

The addition of Noida International Airport is expected to diversify airline options in northern India and provide a competitive alternative for both domestic and international travelers.

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