The Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) announced that operations at the Noida International Airport in Jewar will begin on April 17, 2025, with a total of 30 flights to various locations, according to multiple media reports. The preparations for this launch are currently in advanced stages.
NIAL also revealed that its partner airlines, IndiGo and Akasa Air, are in discussions with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding domestic routes and with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for international destinations.
Initially slated to commence operations by the end of September this year, the Noida International Airport—serving as the second airport in the Delhi-NCR region—had plans for up to 65 daily flights, including 62 domestic routes, two international routes, and one cargo flight.
Once operational, Jewar Airport is anticipated to become Asia’s largest and the fourth-largest globally, significantly boosting air travel capacity in the National Capital Region (NCR) of India.
Domestic and international route plans
The reports highlighted that early discussions indicate that the first international flights will connect to Singapore, Dubai, and Zurich, with Zurich being significant as the headquarters of the airport’s concessionaire. Domestically, the airport will serve major cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Hyderabad, Dehradun, and Hubli.
Ongoing consultations between the DGCA and airline partners IndiGo and Akasa Air are focused on launching domestic routes.
Future expansion plans
The airport’s development is taking place in four phases, starting with a passenger terminal complex of 101,590 square meters and a 3.9-kilometer runway, along with essential support facilities.
This first phase, covering 1,334 hectares in Jewar, is expected to handle up to 12 million passengers annually and manage around 100,000 flights, with an estimated investment of $730.5 million. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2021, and commercial operations are expected to commence in April 2025.
Upon completion of all phases, the airport will include six runways, accommodating up to 70 million passengers per year and facilitating 489,700 aircraft movements annually. It will also feature a second passenger terminal and enhanced cargo facilities, solidifying its role as a major air cargo hub for northern India.
Ticket bookings and licensing
International flight bookings are anticipated to open 90 days before the airport’s inauguration, while domestic ticket sales will start six weeks prior. In December, the airport’s concessionaire will apply for an aerodrome license, which is expected to be approved within 90 days. The license is projected to be granted by March 2025, coinciding with the airport’s opening.
Operational delays
The airport’s opening was initially scheduled for September 2023 but has been postponed to April 2024 following a high-level meeting involving NIAL, Yamuna International Airport (YIAPL), DGCA, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Recently, the airport completed calibration of its Instrument Landing System, a vital component for assisting pilots in low visibility conditions. Additional trial runs are planned over the coming months to ensure runway readiness.