Why is Noida International Airport's launch delayed again?

Jewar airport

The Noida International Airport, also known as the Jewar Airport, has not yet completed the construction of its terminal building, preventing it from obtaining the required security clearances to commence operations in April.

The airport, originally set to begin operations in September 2024, has been delayed for the second time after officials previously stated it would be operational by April.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted a high-level meeting, which was chaired by Director General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, to review the progress of the airport’s development. The authorities noted that only 70% of the lower floors of the terminal, meant for domestic passengers, have been completed so far.

Why is there a delay?

The passenger terminal, a vital part of the airport, is still undergoing interior finishing, despite the runway and control tower reportedly being completed. As a result, the airport is unable to secure an aerodrome license, a critical certification that ensures operational readiness and safety, issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

“The air side of the airport is ready. However, work related to the terminal building is the main area that needs to be focused on and is running behind schedule. The pending interiors of the airport building are why flights will begin later, much after the date of inauguration,” an official told the Hindustan Times.

The DGCA is expected to issue the aerodrome license by May 2025, assuming all remaining work is completed on time. However, there are concerns that this deadline may not be met due to the slow pace of construction.

Inauguration likely in May

The airport in Jewar is now likely to be inaugurated in May, civil aviation minister Ram Mohan Naidu said on Tuesday, March 11. “We are on track for the inauguration of the Noida airport, and will launch it in May,” Naidu said.

Covering 1,334 hectares, the Noida International Airport — a flagship initiative by the Uttar Pradesh government — is located in Jewar, approximately 35 km from Greater Noida along the Yamuna Expressway. Once completed, it will become the third commercial airport in the National Capital Region (NCR), joining Delhi's Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and the Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad.

The Noida International Airport is set to be a game-changer for India's aviation sector. Once operational, it will cover the largest area of any airport in India and is expected to significantly alleviate traffic at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).

In addition, the airport is designed to become a major cargo hub, enhancing India’s supply chain infrastructure and enabling faster transportation for businesses. However, ongoing delays could result in lost revenue, and missed business opportunities.