Kamal Ghorui
The upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar has received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearing a key regulatory hurdle and bringing the project closer to the start of flight operations.The development was confirmed by Rakesh Kumar Singh, chief executive officer of Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, reported news agency PTI.NIAL’s nodal officer Shailendra Bhatia said the licence has been issued under civil aviation rules and covers domestic passenger flights as well as cargo operations.
Officials said the remaining operational deployment and arrangements are expected to be completed within about 45 days, adding that the airport infrastructure is now ready.“Receiving the aerodrome license is a key milestone in our journey. It reflects the strong collaboration with our partners and the rigorous work undertaken to ensure readiness for commercial operations. We are committed to delivering a modern, efficient and passenger-centric airport that will serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth,” Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport (NIA), said in a statement.The airport is expected to be formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said.
What the licence means
According to the airport authorities, the aerodrome licence issued under Rule 78 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, certifies that the airport meets regulatory requirements related to operational procedures, safety systems, infrastructure, navigation aids and emergency response standards mandated by the DGCA.The licence follows a recent security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) for domestic passenger operations as well as domestic and international cargo handling.Authorities said these approvals mark significant progress towards the airport’s operational readiness. However, commercial flight operations will begin only after the Aerodrome Security Programme (ASP) receives final approval from BCAS.“We look forward to receiving this approval in due course, following which airline schedules, ticket sales, and the formal inauguration will be announced closer to the launch of operations,” the airport said in a statement.
Project scale and capacity
The greenfield airport project, being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, is expected to become one of the largest airports in the country once fully operational.In its first phase, the airport spans about 1,300 hectares and includes one runway and one terminal building, with the capacity to handle around 1.2 crore passengers annually.Passenger services were originally scheduled to begin in September 2024.
Operational preparations underway
Operational readiness activities under the airport’s Operational Readiness Activation and Transition (ORAT) programme are ongoing to ensure systems, processes and personnel are prepared for the launch.A major milestone was achieved in December 2024, when IndiGo operated a validation flight using an Airbus A320, successfully testing the airport’s approach procedures, navigation aids and air traffic control systems.Airport authorities said major operational infrastructure has already been completed, and concessions have been awarded for services such as ground handling, aviation fuel supply, cargo, retail, food and beverage, in-flight catering, mobility services and the airport hotel.They added that communication and navigation systems have been commissioned by the Airports Authority of India, bringing the project closer to full operational readiness
