Key Facts
Commercial operations commenced at the Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh’s Jewar on Monday, with inaugural flights to and from Lucknow and Bengaluru. A special charter flight carrying farmers, whose land was acquired for the project, also flew to Lucknow. The airport, spanning 137,985 square metres, is the second international facility in the National Capital Region (NCR) and includes a cargo hub.
Inaugural Flights and Ceremony
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the charter and the first flight to Bengaluru. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of an airport serving a vast catchment area has been realised. Naidu congratulated the farmers for their contribution to the prestigious project. The charter flight carrying farmers to Lucknow was conceived by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Naidu remarked, “It is a symbol of respect that we want to give to the farmers so they meet the chief minister.”
Strategic Importance and Vision
Naidu described the Noida International Airport as “another jewel” in the NCR, alongside Delhi and Hindon (Ghaziabad) airports. He highlighted the airport’s large catchment area, which can serve Agra via expressway networks and a proposed high-speed rail corridor. Emphasising the economic impact, Naidu said, “...it is the vision of the state government and also the government of India ...to see Noida International Airport grow as... a hub for transportation...it has to be in a true sense an Aerotropolis.” He added that the government aims to attract multiple industries around Jewar, creating jobs and a strong economic base. Uttar Pradesh already has the highest number of airports among Indian states, and all metro cities are expected to have a second airport.
Airport Specifications and Infrastructure
In March, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the 137,985 square metre facility. The airport includes a cargo hub with an initial handling capacity of over 250,000 metric tonnes annually, expandable to about 1.8 million metric tonnes. The passenger handling capacity in the first phase is 12 million per annum, scalable to 70 million. The first phase was developed at an estimated cost of ₹11,200 crore. The airport is designed as a multi-modal transport hub with connectivity via road, rail, metro, and regional transport systems.
Security and Operations
A multi-layered security system with AI-based surveillance has been implemented. Nearly 1,030 personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) are deployed, and the Uttar Pradesh Police has established a dedicated police station for the airport.
What Readers Should Know
- The Noida International Airport is the second international airport in the NCR after Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
- It is located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, and aims to decongest Delhi airport while boosting regional connectivity.
- The airport is expected to spur economic development in the region, with plans for an Aerotropolis—a subregion centered around the airport.
- Farmers who contributed land were honored with a special charter flight to meet the Chief Minister.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did commercial operations begin at Noida International Airport?
Commercial operations started on Monday, June 15, 2026, with inaugural flights to Lucknow and Bengaluru.
Who flagged off the first flight at Noida Airport?
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the charter and the first flight to Bengaluru.
What is the passenger capacity of Noida International Airport in its first phase?
The initial passenger handling capacity is 12 million passengers per annum, scalable up to 70 million.
Which security forces are deployed at Noida Airport?
Nearly 1,030 personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and a dedicated police station by Uttar Pradesh Police are deployed.