Noida International airport inauguration has been pushed back by at least four months due to a delay in delivery of construction materials and equipment. According to the latest timeline, the much-awaited airport is not going to be ready by the end of this year or in the first quarter of next year.
The mega project’s completion has been delayed by a minimum of six months, now expected to finish by April 2025. Officials cited the sluggish pace of construction on the terminal building as the primary reason for the setback.
While Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), the concessionaire, did not provide specific reasons for the terminal’s construction delay, reports indicate that the procurement of special grade steel essential for the roof has been hampered by shortages in the global market.
It was estimated that over 20% of the entire project remained to be completed till May 2024. Regarding the terminal building, officials reported ongoing efforts in constructing the facade and implementing waterproofing measures. Tata Projects, overseeing the airport’s construction on behalf of YIAPL, was actively sourcing steel from multiple vendors to prevent any delays in construction.
UP govt asks officials to ensure start of commercial operations by Dec
The Uttar Pradesh government on June 28 issued directives to ensure that the Noida International Airport commences commercial operations by December this year. Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra issued these instructions after conducting a review meeting and personally inspecting the airport site in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar.
The development for the project’s initial phase is currently progressing. Mishra emphasized that YIAPL must adhere to all regulatory requirements and resolve any pending issues by September. He underscored the importance of initiating commercial operations at the airport without any delays, stressing that it must begin by December as planned.
YIAPL to ensures uninterrupted construction pace
The Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) affirmed in a statement its commitment to maintaining the construction pace without further interruptions.
“In view of the current construction status, we expect to begin commercial operations by the end of April 2025. We are working together with our EPC contractor, Tata Projects Limited, and with other stakeholders to maintain a high pace of construction activities and preparations for operational readiness,” the statement read.
YIAPL also emphasised that the next few weeks, however, are crucial for the project’s timeline.
“This is a large and complex project, and the next few weeks of construction activities are crucial. Work on the runway, the passenger terminal, and the control tower is well advanced. Recently, the concessions for ground handling, the operation of commercial areas, and important maintenance contracts were awarded. Additionally, agreements have been signed with several airlines for flight connections from Noida International Airport,” the statement added.
Noida International Airport project cost
As of now, some 9,000 workers are deployed at the airport site. While the glass façade on the ATC tower is nearly complete, the runway is getting a final coat of asphalt. Installation of flight-related equipment on the runway is also in progress, sources said, adding that the Airports Authority of India was setting up critical navigation aids like glide paths and localisers.
The first phase of the airport — to come up on 1,334 hectares — is likely to cost Rs 10,056 crore. Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), UP govt’s special purpose vehicle for the project, has said it will impose a hefty penalty on the construction company for the delay. According to the concession agreement, the company will be allowed a grace period of 91 days under certain conditions.
Noida International Airport – Construction highlights June 2024
YIAPL had also shared a video showcasing the progress of the airport’s construction work.
Noida airport to cater to 12 million passengers
Noida International Airport (IATA code – DXN) aims to link the greater Delhi area and Western Uttar Pradesh with domestic and international destinations. This state-of-the-art airport will blend Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality, providing passengers with extensive commercial amenities and services.
NIA is set to become India’s pioneering airport in its category by achieving net zero emissions, establishing a benchmark for sustainable airport practices. Initially, the airport will operate with one runway and one terminal, catering to 12 million passengers, with provisions for expansion in subsequent construction phases.