PM Modi to Inaugurate Noida International Airport Phase I on March 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate Phase I of the Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, on March 28, 2026. The inauguration event will include a walkthrough of the terminal building around 11:30 AM, followed by the official launch and a public address at approximately 12 noon. This landmark infrastructure project, also known as Jewar Airport, is poised to become the second international airport serving the Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR), complementing the existing Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. The dual airport system is expected to function as an integrated aviation network, significantly easing congestion and expanding overall passenger handling capacity in one of India's busiest aviation corridors. Phase I of the Noida International Airport has been developed with a substantial investment of approximately ₹11,200 crore, executed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, is the operator, having won the bid in 2019 to build and operate the airport for a period of 40 years. Tata Projects Limited was awarded the civil construction tender in June 2022. Upon its initial operational phase (Phase I), the airport is designed to handle an annual passenger capacity of 12 million. Future expansion plans project this capacity to scale up to an impressive 70 million passengers per annum (MPPA) upon full development, with some estimates even reaching 300 million by 2050 across subsequent phases. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the Aerodrome License to YIAPL earlier in March 2026, paving the way for commercial flight operations. Key features of Phase I include a 3,900-meter runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft. The airport is equipped with modern navigation systems, including an Instrument Landing System (ILS), and advanced airfield lighting to ensure efficient, all-weather, and round-the-clock operations. Beyond passenger services, the airport incorporates a robust cargo ecosystem. This includes a Multi-Modal Cargo Hub, an Integrated Cargo Terminal, and dedicated logistics zones, designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, with scalability up to around 18 lakh metric tonnes. A dedicated 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility is also part of the development. The Noida International Airport is strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway, ensuring direct road connectivity. It is envisioned as a comprehensive multi-modal transport hub, integrating various networks such as road, rail, metro, and regional rapid transit systems (RRTS) for seamless access. Connectivity plans include links to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway, Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (Ballabhgarh Link), and proposals for a Delhi–Jewar RRTS corridor and a new Jewar station on the Delhi–Varanasi High-Speed Rail corridor. Additionally, public transport options like UPSRTC bus services, electric buses, and branded cab services (e.g., NIA-branded, Uber, Rapido, Ola, MakeMyTrip) are being implemented to ensure convenient last-mile connectivity. Designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project, Noida International Airport aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility. This commitment involves integrating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Its architectural design draws inspiration from Indian heritage, incorporating elements reminiscent of traditional ghats and havelis, blending cultural aesthetics with modern infrastructure. The launch of NIA is expected to stimulate industrial development, tourism, and employment opportunities across Western Uttar Pradesh and adjoining regions, marking a new phase in India's aviation expansion and economic growth.

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