New Delhi, Aug 29 (FN Agency) Noida International Airport (NIA) which will connect the greater Delhi area and Western Uttar Pradesh with other cities in India and the world, is “on course” with its development milestones, with validation flights to test flight procedures as well as filing of its aerodrome license application expected by December 2024. Commercial operations at the airport are scheduled to begin by the end of April 2025. NIA has delivered exceptional progress in the two years since the commencement of construction activity. The airport is set to play a significant role in the growth of Indian aviation upon completion, NIA officials said in a statement.
Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with airines, IndiGo and Akasa Air have been signed, with network planning and operational requirements under discussion. Strong interest from other domestic and international carriers has also been received. Key aero concessions, including into-plane fueling services, ground handling, and cargo, have been awarded. Non-aero concessions for retail, dining, lounge, duty-free, and hotel have also been signed. Factory acceptance tests for key airport systems are complete, and equipment has started arriving on site. Check-in kiosks, self-service bag drops, and e-gates are being tested, NIA said adding agreements for crucial operational and maintenance services, including airfield lighting, passenger boarding bridges, lifts and escalators have been signed.
NIA will apply for aerodrome license by the end of calendar year 2024. NIA continues to work closely with its EPC contractor, Tata Projects Limited, and all stakeholders to maintain a high momentum of construction activity. The airport is scheduled to commence operations by the end of April 2025, ushering in a new era of connectivity and economic growth for the region. Noida International Airport will combine Indian warmth and hospitality with Swiss technology and efficiency to develop a modern, user-friendly design, inspired by India. The first phase of the airport will feature one runway and one terminal, with the capacity to handle traffic of 12 million passengers annually. Upon completion of all four development phases, the airport will be able to cater to 70 million passengers per year, it added.