The Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, western Uttar Pradesh, is set to commence the second phase of its trial operations on November 15, marking a significant milestone toward its official launch. This upcoming trial phase, scheduled to run until December 15, will involve daily flights by Akasa, Indigo, and likely Air India, as confirmed by Arun Veer Singh, CEO of Noida International Airport Limited.
“The process of testing will continue for one month. This data will be uploaded on December 20 to the DGCA website, and then we will apply for the aerodrome licensing,” said Singh. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will use this data to assess the airport’s readiness for full-scale operations. Authorities are optimistic about receiving the necessary licensing by March 20, 2025.
If all goes as planned, Noida International Airport is expected to open its doors to commercial flights on April 17, 2025. On its first day, the airport anticipates handling 30 flights, including 25 domestic, three international, and two cargo flights. The initial international routes will connect Jewar to Zurich, Singapore, and Dubai, broadening the region’s global connectivity. Meanwhile, domestic destinations will include major cities such as Lucknow, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Dehradun, with the exact list of cities still being finalised.
“We have planned for the operation of 30 flights initially, which includes a mix of domestic, international, and cargo services,” Singh stated. “The Director General of Civil Aviation has approved our flight calibrations after reviewing various reports related to runway conditions and wind speed. With this, we have successfully completed the first stage of the airport’s operations.”
In an effort to establish Noida International Airport as a global hub, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been signed with Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa. Singh noted that more airline partnerships are underway to expand the airport’s reach to additional international and domestic destinations.
This phase in the airport’s development promises increased connectivity and economic growth for western Uttar Pradesh, as well as reduced congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The Noida International Airport, with its state-of-the-art facilities and strategic partnerships, is well on its way to becoming a pivotal part of India’s aviation landscape.