Uttar Pradesh is set to get a major aviation boost as the Noida International Airport in Jewar moves closer to its long-awaited launch.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said the airport is likely to be inaugurated later this month, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to open it.
Airport Ready, Final Approval Awaited
Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow, the chief minister said the airport’s infrastructure is fully ready.
Only a few final formalities remain, mainly the aerodrome licence required to start commercial flight operations.
He expressed confidence about the timeline and said the inauguration could happen within the month once approvals are completed.
Big Relief for NCR Air Traffic
Once operational, the Jewar airport will become the second international airport serving the National Capital Region.
It is expected to reduce the heavy passenger pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
This will also be Uttar Pradesh’s fifth international airport, after Lucknow, Varanasi, Kushinagar, and Ayodhya, strengthening the state’s air connectivity.
DGCA Licence Is the Last Major Step
Officials involved in the project said the key clearance still pending is the aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
A high-level review meeting is expected soon with the Union civil aviation minister, aviation security agencies, and airport authorities.
Once this licence is granted, commercial flight operations can begin.
Built Under a Long-Term Global Partnership
The Noida International Airport is being developed on around 1,300 hectares in Jewar through a public-private partnership.
The project was awarded in 2020 to Zurich Airport International AG and is being developed by its Indian arm under a 40-year concession.
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone in November 2021, officially starting construction work.
Passenger Capacity and Future Expansion
The first phase includes one runway and a passenger terminal.
Although the airport was initially scheduled to open in September 2024, the launch was delayed due to regulatory and operational clearances.
In its initial phase, the airport is expected to handle up to 12 million passengers annually.
Capacity will increase in later phases as more infrastructure is added.
Key Technical Test Successfully Completed
A major step toward certification was completed on October 31, 2025, when the airport carried out a mandatory calibration flight.
An Air India aircraft flew multiple rounds over the airport to test navigation and communication systems.
Officials confirmed that the exercise met international safety standards and cleared the way for final security and licensing steps.
With technical tests done and approvals in the final stage, Noida International Airport is now close to welcoming its first commercial flights.
