DGCA grants Aerodrome License to Noida International Airport in Jewar
The granting of the Aerodrome License by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) for the development and operation of the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh marks a significant milestone in India’s rapidly expanding civil aviation sector. The licensing of the airport represents the culmination of years of planning, policy support, and infrastructure development aimed at creating one of the most modern aviation hubs in the country. Strategically located near Jewar, the airport is expected to transform regional connectivity, strengthen economic activity, and establish a new gateway for domestic and international travelers in northern India.
The project is being developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG. The development follows the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, a framework that brings together the resources and expertise of the private sector with the policy support and infrastructure vision of the government. The project is being executed in collaboration with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India. The concession agreement for the airport commenced on 1 October 2021 and spans a period of 40 years, during which the private operator will be responsible for development, operation, and maintenance.
The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, congratulated the Government of Uttar Pradesh on the successful development of the airport. He stated that the establishment of the airport represents a major step toward strengthening aviation connectivity for the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh. According to the minister, the airport will significantly contribute to regional economic development by attracting investment, boosting tourism, and generating employment.
The aerodrome has been licensed under the Public Use category for all-weather operations. The facility is designed to meet the highest global aviation standards, ensuring safe and efficient air traffic operations throughout the year. The airport features a runway with an orientation of 10/28 and dimensions of 3,900 meters by 45 meters, which allows the airport to accommodate a wide range of aircraft types. The runway is supported by an advanced Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL) system, enabling 24×7 operations even in challenging weather conditions. These technological features ensure that the airport will maintain high operational reliability and safety standards.
In addition to its advanced runway infrastructure, the airport is equipped with parking stands for 24 Code C aircraft and two Code D/F aircraft, allowing it to handle both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. The aerodrome is also supported by Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Category 9 facilities, which meet international safety requirements for handling large commercial aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER. This capability positions the airport to host long-haul international flights, making it an important addition to India’s global aviation connectivity.
The development of the Noida International Airport is being carried out in four phases, reflecting a long-term vision to build a large-scale aviation hub that can meet future demand. During the first phase of development, the airport will operate with one runway and one passenger terminal, enabling it to handle approximately 12 million passengers annually. This initial capacity itself places the airport among the significant aviation facilities in the region. As the project progresses through subsequent phases, the infrastructure will expand considerably.
Upon completion of all four phases, the airport is expected to have the capacity to handle up to 70 million passengers annually. Such capacity would place it among the largest airports in India and potentially one of the busiest in the region. The expansion plan also includes the development of a multi-modal cargo hub, which will strengthen logistics infrastructure and support trade and industry across northern India. The cargo facilities are expected to play a key role in boosting exports, improving supply chains, and supporting sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and agricultural products.
The strategic location of the airport near the National Capital Region is expected to bring immense benefits to the surrounding areas. It will not only provide an additional international gateway for travelers but will also ease congestion at existing airports serving Delhi and nearby regions. The airport is expected to become a major aviation hub for western Uttar Pradesh and parts of neighboring states, offering improved accessibility and reduced travel time for millions of passengers.
The project has received strong support from the leadership of Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. Under his administration, the state government has prioritized infrastructure development as a key driver of economic growth. The establishment of the airport aligns with the broader vision of transforming Uttar Pradesh into a major economic and logistics hub in India. The government has actively facilitated land acquisition, connectivity projects, and policy support required for the successful implementation of the airport project.
Local political leadership has also played a significant role in supporting the project and ensuring that regional aspirations are reflected in its development. Dhirendra Singh, Member of the Legislative Assembly from Jewar, has consistently highlighted the importance of the airport for the development of the region. The airport project has been a long-standing aspiration for the people of Jewar and surrounding districts, and its progress has been widely welcomed by residents and stakeholders alike.
Similarly, Surendra Singh Nagar, Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha, has emphasized the transformative impact the airport is expected to have on the region. According to him, the development of the airport will generate employment opportunities, stimulate industrial investment, and significantly enhance connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and the rest of the world. The presence of strong political support at both the state and national levels has helped accelerate the progress of this ambitious infrastructure project.
The broader vision behind the development of the airport aligns closely with the policy initiatives of the Government of India aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation ecosystem. Over the past decade, India’s civil aviation sector has witnessed remarkable expansion. The number of operational airports in the country has increased significantly—from just 74 in 2014 to 164 today. This expansion reflects a strong policy focus on improving connectivity and making air travel accessible to more people.
India has also emerged as the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, driven by rising incomes, growing tourism, and expanding business travel. Airports like the one being developed at Jewar are expected to play a crucial role in sustaining this growth by providing modern infrastructure and additional capacity.
The government’s approach to aviation infrastructure development is based on a balanced strategy that includes both greenfield airport projects and upgrades to existing airports. While new airports are being constructed in emerging regions, existing brownfield airports are being modernized to accommodate increasing passenger volumes and technological advancements.
A key initiative supporting this vision is the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to enhance regional connectivity by making air travel more affordable and accessible. Through this scheme, several smaller cities and towns have been connected to the national aviation network, promoting inclusive growth and regional development.
Looking ahead, India’s long-term aviation roadmap envisions the development of more than 400 airports by the year 2047. This ambitious goal reflects the country’s aspiration to create a world-class aviation ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth, tourism, and international connectivity. The development of major airports such as the one in Jewar will serve as important pillars in achieving this vision.
He also highlighted that the airport is being designed as a world-class facility that combines Swiss efficiency with Indian hospitality. With its advanced technology, passenger-friendly infrastructure, and sustainable design features, the airport is expected to offer a seamless travel experience for passengers from across the world.
The development of the airport is also expected to catalyze the growth of surrounding urban and industrial infrastructure. Several logistics parks, industrial zones, and commercial developments are planned in the vicinity of the airport. These developments are expected to create a thriving economic corridor, attracting companies and entrepreneurs from various sectors.
In addition to economic benefits, the airport is likely to improve the overall connectivity of the region. Enhanced road networks, metro connectivity, and expressway links are being developed to ensure seamless access to the airport from different parts of the National Capital Region. This integrated transportation network will further strengthen the airport’s role as a multi-modal transport hub.
Overall, the granting of the aerodrome license to the Yamuna International Airport Private Limited for the operation of the Noida International Airport represents a major milestone in India’s aviation journey. With strong support from leaders such as Yogi Adityanath, Dhirendra Singh, and Surendra Singh Nagar, the project stands as a symbol of collaborative governance and visionary infrastructure development.
As the airport moves closer to full operational readiness, it is expected to reshape the aviation landscape of northern India, drive economic progress, and provide millions of travelers with a modern and efficient gateway to the world. The project not only reflects the rapid growth of India’s civil aviation sector but also underscores the country’s determination to build world-class infrastructure that supports long-term development and global connectivity.