Why Noida airport could be game-changer for UP: Haveli-style courtyard, Swiss efficiency, fully digital

The Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, one of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s most ambitious infrastructure projects, is nearing inauguration and is being positioned as a landmark that will reshape Western Uttar Pradesh’s economy while strengthening global connectivity for Delhi-NCR.

The project blends Swiss-style operational efficiency with Indian hospitality and traditional aesthetics, setting new benchmarks for airport design and functionality.

During the UP TechNext: Electronics and Semiconductors summit organised by Moneycontrol and CNBC-TV18 in Lucknow last week, speakers underlined the airport’s significance and its potential to transform the face of Uttar Pradesh. One of them remarked that “business flows through the belly of an airplane,” highlighting how air connectivity drives investment, trade and economic expansion.

Designed to offer passengers a smooth and memorable travel experience, the airport combines advanced technology, modern aviation infrastructure and a strong infusion of traditional Indian aesthetics. Officials say the facility will immediately give visitors a sense of Uttar Pradesh’s heritage as soon as they step inside.

Shailendra Kumar Bhatia, ACEO of the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority, said the airport’s architecture, technology and cultural focus will help elevate the global image of both Uttar Pradesh and the country. “NIA will offer passengers a fast, smooth and memorable journey at every stage. The Chief Minister is personally monitoring progress and recently visited the site to review the work and provide directives,” he said.

The terminal structure is deeply inspired by traditional Indian design. Features such as lattice screens regulate light and airflow while adding handcrafted appeal. The entrance draws cues from the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar, symbolising the region’s spiritual legacy. A large haveli-style courtyard inside the terminal is expected to create an open, welcoming environment, echoing the central courtyards of traditional North Indian homes. A sweeping white roof designed to represent the calm flow of Uttar Pradesh’s major rivers ties the architectural theme together.

Economic engine for Western UP

Beyond its architectural and operational strengths, NIA is set to drive large-scale economic growth across Western Uttar Pradesh. With an initial annual passenger capacity of 1.2 crore, the airport is expected to become a major hub for logistics, manufacturing, tourism, warehousing, real estate and MSMEs, benefiting districts such as Gautam Buddha Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh and Mathura.

The project is being implemented under the PPP model by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL) and Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), with the participation of more than 30 reputed companies including Tata Projects, Indian Oil and Bird Group. More than 5,000 jobs are being created with full government benefits such as minimum wages, provident fund, ESI and gratuity.

Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) CEO Rakesh Kumar Singh said special initiatives have been launched for families that gave their land for the project. “Special programs have been implemented to benefit the Project Affected Families at the initiative of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath,” he said.

More than 180 PAF youth have registered on a dedicated career portal, over 300 participated in recruitment camps and 24 have received appointment letters. ITI Jewar has been modernised to offer aviation-linked courses such as passenger handling and ramp operations; 24 of the first 28 trainees have secured jobs. Another 100 young people have received English and soft-skills training. These initiatives are being monitored by a joint committee of NIAL, the district administration and YIAPL.

Moreover, Delhi-based Bird Group company Roseate Hotels & Resorts is also developing a new smart luxury hotel at the airport, with a focus on digital integration like smartphone access, online check-in and sustainable luxury for both business and leisure travelers .

This hotel will be located on a 2.6-acre land parcel with 246 rooms and will feature a 10,000 sq. ft. banquet hall.

Anshuman Magazine, Chairman & CEO for India, South-East Asia, Middle East & Africa at CBRE, said that more such airports are expected to emerge in cities where the airports are operating near their full capacity.

"With domestic air traffic having already surpassed pre-COVID levels, secondary airports are likely to be crucial in easing congestion at existing primary ones. These airports offer potential to be planned in a more future-ready manner with multiple runways, larger terminal capacities, and integrated cargo & logistics hubs. And their impact extends far beyond aviation. A surge in airport-led infrastructure creates high-impact opportunities across commercial, retail, and residential segments,” he said.

Digital-first travel experience

NIA will operate as a fully digital airport, prioritising speed and convenience. Self-bag-drop counters, self-boarding gates and biometric-based DigiYatra verification at all entry points are being installed to cut waiting time and simplify passenger movement. Smart signage and intuitive digital interfaces will guide travellers smoothly through the terminal.

The airport’s premium shopping and dining experience will feature flavours of Uttar Pradesh and India along with global cuisines. Retail areas will highlight Banarasi silk, chikankari, attar and traditional handicrafts alongside modern brands, artwork and duty-free stores.

Designed as a next-generation green airport, NIA integrates sustainability at every level. The campus will rely heavily on renewable energy through solar and off-grid wind systems. Rainwater harvesting, advanced waste management and modern sewage treatment facilities are core components of its environmental safeguards. EV charging stations across the campus and an architecture that maximises natural light and ventilation support the net-zero emissions goal.

A transformative project for the region

State officials say the airport will usher Western Uttar Pradesh into a new era of connectivity, investment and job creation. With thousands of direct jobs, major infrastructure development and long-term livelihood opportunities for local communities, the airport is poised to anchor a broader economic transformation along the Yamuna Expressway corridor.

As one of India’s most significant aviation infrastructure projects, the Noida International Airport is set to redefine how passengers experience air travel while powering the next phase of economic growth in Western Uttar Pradesh.