Ready for take-off: Noida International Airport secures security clearance, races towards launch

Noida International Airport runway

• Noida International Airport gets key security clearance from BCAS
• DGCA final inspection next; aerodrome licence expected soon
• Domestic flights may start within 45 days of licence issuance

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Noida International Airport (NIA) has crossed a critical regulatory milestone, receiving security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). With this final security framework approved, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is now set to conduct its final inspection, after which the aerodrome licence will be issued. The greenfield project is now firmly in the last stretch before commencing commercial operations, TOI reported.

The clearance, granted on Thursday, validates the airport's core security framework, including the bomb threat contingency plan (BTCP), anti-hijack contingency plan (AHCP) and the airport security programme (ASP). With these documents now approved, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to conduct its final inspection shortly, after which the crucial aerodrome licence will be issued.

Officials at Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), the government agency monitoring the project, indicated that the licence could be granted within a week of the DGCA's inspection. NIAL Chief Executive Officer RK Singh noted that the security vetting approval received on Thursday has brought the airport closer to operational readiness, the TOI report said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at an event in Greater Noida West on Thursday, stated that the country’s largest airport would be inaugurated soon. Officials added that the formal date for the inauguration will be finalised by the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to Shailendra Bhatia, Nodal Officer for the project, airlines including IndiGo, Air India and Akasa Air are expected to open ticket bookings once the aerodrome licence is formally in hand. Following the issuance of the licence, domestic passenger flights and cargo operations are projected to commence within 45 days, in line with the project timeline. International operations are anticipated to begin by September.

The TOI report cited Bhatia confirming that the airport infrastructure envisaged in the first phase is ready to handle 12 million passengers annually, adding that the terminal building, air traffic control tower and runway are complete as planned. He further noted that the concessionaire must meet specific conditions before the licence is formally granted.

The security clearance comes amidst efforts by the Union aviation secretary, Samir Sinha, to smooth over any potential administrative delays related to the airport's leadership. The airport is helmed by CEO Christoph Schnellmann, a Swiss national and veteran from Zurich Airports who previously played a key role in the development of Bengaluru’s airport.

The TOI report quoted sources indicating that the home ministry had noted the CEO's expatriate status. However, officials are working to ensure this does not become a procedural roadblock. "We are trying to ensure having an expat CEO does not lead to any hiccups in the new airport getting operational," a source was quoted as saying.

Drawing a parallel with the technology sector, the source were added by TOI as saying, "We take pride in having people like Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai at top positions in the world’s biggest tech companies that handle critical security tasks globally. We can't frown on having expat CEOs." Schnellmann is widely regarded as a thorough professional within the industry.

The security approval followed months of rigorous inspections by BCAS teams, who conducted multiple visits and directed the operator to address gaps. During one recent inspection, officials from the Union home ministry also accompanied the team. Bhatia noted that the anti-hijack plan, which outlines protocols for coordination among airlines, security agencies and disaster management authorities, had been approved after verification of specific systems.

On the ground, officials confirmed that all major infrastructure is in place. The terminal's roofing, entry and exit facilities, and internal work are complete. The runway, air traffic control tower, and other airside facilities are ready. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) took over airport security last year and residential facilities for its personnel have been developed within the premises.

According to the report, connectivity to the airport has also been established via a 750-metre access road linking it to the Yamuna Expressway. The multimodal cargo hub is ready and is expected to commence operations alongside domestic flights.