Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), the developer and operator of Noida International Airport, plans to apply for an aerodrome license in December after completing critical validation flights. YIAPL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, is advancing the construction of the airport, with commercial operations now scheduled to commence by the end of April 2025.
Validation and Licensing Process
Kiran Jain, Chief Operating Officer of YIAPL, announced that calibration flights for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) are planned for September and October. These flights will be managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Following these, in December, a private carrier will conduct validation flights to assess approach and departure procedures. Successful completion of these flights is a prerequisite for YIAPL to apply for the aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The validation process involves using a specially equipped aircraft to ensure that operational procedures meet rigorous safety and compliance standards. Originally, the airport was expected to begin operations in September 2024; however, due to construction delays, the opening has been moved to April 2025. The airport’s first phase will feature a single runway, one terminal, and a capacity to handle up to 12 million passengers annually.