File photo: Noida International Airport, in Uttar Pradesh.
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Notably, the airport had missed multiple completion deadlines, including those scheduled for late 2024 and April 2025.
This approval, sources said, marks a significant milestone in the airport’s journey toward operational readiness and confirms that the aviation security infrastructure, systems, and procedures at Noida International Airport meet the regulatory requirements for the commencement of these operations.
According to sources, the airport will proceed with the remaining regulatory steps, including the receipt of the aerodrome license and approval of the Aerodrome Security Programme.
Upon completion of these requirements, sources said the Noida International Airport will work with the relevant authorities to plan the formal inauguration and commencement of operations.
Last month, NIA Chief Executive Christoph Schnellmann told businessline that the operational readiness process would involve finalising airline networks and route plans, as well as completing slot filing and approval procedures with the DGCA and other stakeholders.
Once slots are approved, airlines typically begin commercial preparations such as opening ticket sales and initiating customer outreach ahead of launch.
On the city side, the airport is preparing surface connectivity to support passengers from the first day of operations.
Mobility options
Schnellmann had pointed out that the mobility options will include intercity and long-haul bus services, airport taxis and cab aggregators, supported by intelligent traffic management systems to regulate traffic flow.
Looking ahead, he said long-term connectivity could be strengthened through a proposed Regional Rapid Transit System link from Ghaziabad and a planned high-speed rail corridor between Delhi and Varanasi, with a stop at the airport.
On airline partnerships, IndiGo will be the launch carrier at NIA. The airport has also entered into a strategic partnership with Akasa Air, which plans to operate both domestic and international services, while Air India Express is set to begin flights as well.
Discussions are under way with other Indian carriers, and airlines from the Middle East and Southeast Asia have also expressed interest in operating from the airport, Schnellmann had said.
Once operational, the airport, in its first phase (with one runway and one terminal), will have the capacity to handle about 12 million passengers annually.
Upon completion of the fourth phase, total capacity is expected to increase to 70 million passengers per year.
Published on March 5, 2026