Overview
- The new Noida International Airport, inaugurated Saturday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opened its first phase with a 100,000 sq m terminal, a 3,900-meter runway and a cargo facility.
- NIAL CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh says flights could start within four weeks, while Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu projects 45–60 days, with the Airport Security Program still awaiting approval.
- The airport secured its aerodrome licence on March 6 and plans call for domestic services first, with IndiGo expected as launch carrier and Akasa Air and Air India Express preparing early routes to about 10 cities.
- Lower jet fuel tax in Uttar Pradesh at about 1% versus Delhi’s 25% could draw airlines and cargo from IGIA in the near term because fuel makes up 30–40% of operating costs.
- Leaders say Jewar will ease pressure on Delhi’s main airport, with studies warning IGIA could near saturation around 2030 and NCR demand could hit 250 million by 2050, even as parties trade claims over who started the project.