DGCA Grants Aerodrome Licence to Noida International Airport

In a major milestone for India's aviation infrastructure, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted the Aerodrome Licence to Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, paving the way for its operational readiness.

The airport has been developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India. The concession agreement for the project began on 1 October 2021 and will run for a 40-year period.

Licensed for 24×7 All-Weather Operations

The DGCA has granted the aerodrome licence under the Public Use category, allowing the airport to operate throughout the year under all weather conditions.

The airport features a 3,900-metre-long runway (orientation 10/28) with a width of 45 metres, supported by advanced aviation infrastructure including:

• Instrument Landing System (ILS)

• Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) systems

• Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Category 9 facilities

These systems enable round-the-clock operations and allow the airport to handle large wide-body aircraft, including models such as the Boeing 777-300ER.

The aerodrome also includes parking stands for 24 Code C aircraft and two Code D/F aircraft, strengthening its capability to handle both domestic and international flights.

Phased Development to Create Major Aviation Hub

Noida International Airport is being developed in four phases, along with plans for a multi-modal cargo hub designed to strengthen logistics and trade connectivity in northern India.

In the first phase, which includes one runway and one terminal, the airport will have the capacity to handle around 12 million passengers annually.

Once all development phases are completed, the airport is expected to handle up to 70 million passengers per year, positioning it as a major aviation hub for the National Capital Region (NCR) and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Part of India's Expanding Aviation Ecosystem

The project forms part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation's broader strategy to strengthen India's aviation infrastructure and improve connectivity across the country.

Over the past decade, India's aviation sector has witnessed rapid expansion, with the number of operational airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 164 today. India has also emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally.

The government is pursuing a dual strategy of developing new greenfield airports while upgrading existing brownfield airports and regional airstrips, supported by flagship initiatives such as the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

Looking ahead, India's aviation roadmap aims to develop more than 400 airports by 2047, significantly expanding air connectivity and supporting economic growth, tourism, and regional development.

Minister Highlights Economic Impact

Union Minister for Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu congratulated the Government of Uttar Pradesh on achieving this milestone.

He said the development of Noida International Airport represents a major step toward strengthening aviation connectivity for the NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh. The minister noted that the world-class airport will help ease congestion at existing airports in the region, while also boosting regional economic growth, tourism and investment.

He added that the airport is expected to deliver a seamless passenger experience by combining Swiss efficiency with Indian hospitality, reflecting the international standards envisioned for the project.