India’s upcoming Noida International Airport has crossed a major milestone after receiving an aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), clearing the final regulatory hurdle before the airport becomes operational.
Officials said the approval paves the way for flight operations to begin within the next 45 days, with the airport likely to be inaugurated by the end of March. According to sources, dates are currently being sought from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), and the inauguration could take place any time after March 25.
Airport Meets Safety and Operational Standards
The aerodrome licence confirms that the airport meets all safety and operational requirements set by the aviation regulator. The facility has been licensed under the “Public Use” category for all-weather operations, enabling flights to operate throughout the year regardless of weather conditions.
The airport features a 3,900-metre-long and 45-metre-wide runway, supported by advanced infrastructure including an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and an Aeronautical Ground Lighting system, ensuring safe round-the-clock flight operations.
Capable of Handling Wide-Body Aircraft
According to officials, the aerodrome includes parking stands for 24 Code C aircraft and two Code D/F aircraft. It is also equipped with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Category 9 facilities, allowing it to handle large wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER.
The development comes shortly after the airport secured mandatory security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
RK Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), said the security approval was a significant step toward launching operations.
BCAS conducted detailed inspections covering security arrangements, surveillance systems, access control, and passenger and cargo screening procedures before granting clearance.
Preparations Underway for Inauguration
Officials from the Uttar Pradesh government said preparations are in the final stages, with the state targeting an inauguration around March 23.
Spread across 1,300 hectares in Jewar, the airport was originally scheduled to begin operations in September 2024. In its first phase, it is expected to handle around 12 million passengers annually.
Once fully developed in multiple phases, the airport is projected to become one of the largest aviation hubs in India and Asia.
NCR’s Second Major Airport
The project is being developed as the second major airport for the National Capital Region, complementing the country’s busiest airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.
The project was awarded in October 2020 to Zurich Airport International AG, which is developing and operating the airport through its Indian subsidiary Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) under a 40-year public-private partnership model.
With regulatory approvals now in place, the launch of Noida International Airport is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity and passenger capacity in the National Capital Region.
