TBM Staff - Mumbai Noida International Airport is set to commence commercial operations for both domestic and international routes on April 17, 2025.
This announcement came after a l meeting chaired by Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), during which Yamuna International Airport Ltd (YIAPL) presented a detailed timeline outlining key approvals required for the airport’s launch.
The greenfield airport at Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar district in Uttar Pradesh, is being developed to enhance domestic, as well as international connectivity to and from Delhi-National Capital Region, Noida and western Uttar Pradesh.
The airport — billed to be India’s largest upon completion — is being developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a fully-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, in partnership with the state government.
“The concessionaire has submitted a plan to start commercial operations by 17 April. However, we will try to bring the launch date forward,” said Arun Vir Singh, CEO, NIAL.
He emphasised the importance of meeting the deadline to avoid potential delays in securing international approvals and time slots from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which could be pushed back by six months.
Singh indicated that this flight schedule is likely to remain unchanged for next year’s launch. He also noted that discussions have begun with IATA for international slots and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for domestic routes.
“Airlines have already submitted applications for international destinations,” Singh explained, “but the approval of routes will depend on bilateral licensing agreements between the countries and airlines. The domestic allocation meeting with DGCA is set for the middle of this month, which will determine the slots.” Singh further assured that at least one international flight will take off on the airport’s launch day.
As for the airport’s progress, Singh highlighted that flight trials are scheduled for November 30, including tests conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
“Ticket bookings for international flights will open 90 days in advance, while domestic bookings will be available up to 60 days prior. You can expect slots to open around January or February,” Singh stated.
Estimated to cost INR 5,700 crore, the first phase of the airport, spanning 1,334 hectares, will initially feature one runway and terminal, capable of handling 12 million passengers annually.
