Key Facts
Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, began scheduled commercial operations on Monday, June 15, 2026. The first flight, Indigo 6E-2278, departed from Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport and landed at Noida International Airport at 7:55 am. Shortly after, the inaugural flight from Jewar to Lucknow took off, carrying a special delegation of farmers whose land was acquired for the airport project.
Farmers' Emotional Journey
The inaugural flight from Noida International Airport carried several families whose ancestral land became part of the airport's first phase. For them, it was an opportunity to witness the transformation of their former farmland into a major aviation hub. Among the passengers was Abrar Khan, who described the journey as an emotional milestone. "We are very delighted and obliged to travel on the first flight from Noida International Airport to Lucknow. What we envisioned is becoming a reality before us today," he told PTI. Khan added that the invitation from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was a matter of honour.
Hera Rashid, a young resident of a nearby village, shared her excitement: "We will experience the first flight. It is free for us, and we will meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow." She called it a historic moment for the community.
Mixed Feelings: Development vs. Unfulfilled Promises
While many farmers expressed pride, some voiced concerns. A farmer in his mid-60s, who gave 30 bighas of land for the project, said he was pleased to see regional development but noted, "We were also promised a job but are yet to get it." Another woman passenger said being chosen for the inaugural journey was a source of pride for the villagers.
Significance for Uttar Pradesh's Aviation Sector
Officials view the new flight connection as a key development for Uttar Pradesh's aviation sector, aimed at improving connectivity between the state's administrative and business hubs. Currently, many passengers travelling between Noida and Lucknow either use flights from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport or travel by road. Regular flight services on the Lucknow-Noida route are scheduled to commence from July 1, 2026, as reported by ANI.
What Readers Should Know
- Noida International Airport began commercial operations on June 15, 2026.
- The first flight landed from Lucknow at 7:55 am.
- Farmers who gave land for the airport were passengers on the inaugural flight to Lucknow.
- They will meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.
- Regular flights on the route start July 1, 2026.
FAQ
When did Noida International Airport start commercial operations?
Noida International Airport began scheduled commercial operations on June 15, 2026, with its first flight from Lucknow landing at 7:55 am.
Who were the passengers on the inaugural flight from Jewar?
The inaugural flight carried farmers from the Jewar region whose land was acquired for the airport. They flew to Lucknow to meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
What did the farmers say about the experience?
Farmers expressed delight and pride. Abrar Khan said, 'What we envisioned is becoming a reality.' However, some noted that promised jobs have not yet been provided.
When will regular flights on the Lucknow-Noida route start?
Regular flight services on the Lucknow-Noida route are scheduled to commence from July 1, 2026.
Source: www.hindustantimes.com