Noida Airport Misses Another Deadline as Commercial Flights Shift to 2026

Noida International Airport at Jewar, envisioned as the second international gateway in the National Capital Region, has missed yet another launch deadline, with commercial flights now expected only in 2026. The delay comes as the airport awaits an aerodrome licence from the DGCA and mandatory security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs for its foreign CEO.

Originally slated for completion in September 2024, the project’s timeline has been repeatedly revised, with official targets shifting to April and then June 2025. The most recent plan, announced in September, had aimed for inauguration on 30 October, followed by commercial operations within 45 days. Officials now focus on achieving full operational readiness by the end of 2025.

Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport, stated that the airport is progressing toward the issuance of the DGCA aerodrome licence, which certifies that infrastructure, systems, and procedures meet safety standards for commercial flights. Meanwhile, BCAS has flagged pending security clearance for the CEO, another critical prerequisite.

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The airport has completed key operational trials, including integrated terminal testing and navigation equipment calibration flights in October and November. Phase 1 of the Rs 6,500-crore project is designed to handle 12 million passengers annually, with an initial target of six million passengers in its first full year of operations.

Developed under a public-private partnership by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International, the airport is expected to offer advantages such as overnight aircraft parking and peak-hour slots. However, connectivity challenges remain, with Metro and Rapid Rail Transit System links still pending government approvals and execution.

Despite infrastructure readiness and completed trials, regulatory clearances remain the decisive hurdle keeping Noida International Airport grounded. For now, passengers and airlines must wait until at least 2026 for the second major international airport in the NCR to become operational.

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