New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the much-anticipated Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh on March 28, marking a significant milestone in India’s efforts to strengthen its aviation infrastructure and enhance connectivity. The airport, developed as a key international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR), is among the largest greenfield airport projects in the country.
According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Prime Minister will visit Uttar Pradesh on the day of the inauguration. He is scheduled to undertake a walkthrough of the terminal building at around 11:30 am, followed by the formal inauguration of Phase I of the airport at approximately 12 noon. He will also address a public gathering on the occasion, highlighting the government’s focus on infrastructure development, particularly in the aviation sector.
The Noida International Airport has been conceptualized as the second international airport serving the Delhi-NCR region, complementing the existing Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi. Together, the two airports are expected to function as an integrated aviation system aimed at easing congestion, expanding passenger handling capacity, and positioning the region as a leading global aviation hub.
Phase I of the project has been developed at an estimated cost of around ₹11,200 crore under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model. Once operational, the airport will initially have the capacity to handle approximately 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA). Over time, this capacity is expected to be significantly expanded, with projections of up to 70 MPPA upon full development.
The airport is equipped with modern infrastructure designed to support efficient and safe operations. It features a 3,900-metre-long runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, along with advanced navigation systems such as the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and sophisticated airfield lighting. These features will enable all-weather, round-the-clock operations, ensuring reliability and efficiency in flight services.
In addition to passenger services, the airport includes a robust cargo ecosystem. The facility will house a Multi-Modal Cargo Hub, complete with an Integrated Cargo Terminal and dedicated logistics zones. Initially, the cargo facility is designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, with the potential to expand to around 18 lakh metric tonnes. A dedicated 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility is also part of the project, which is expected to boost India’s aviation maintenance capabilities.
The PMO has emphasized that the airport has been designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure project. It aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility, incorporating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Architecturally, the design draws inspiration from Indian heritage, featuring elements reminiscent of traditional ghats and havelis, blending cultural aesthetics with modern functionality.
Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway, the airport is planned as a multi-modal transport hub. It will be seamlessly connected through road, rail, metro, and regional transit systems, ensuring smooth accessibility for passengers and efficient movement of cargo.
