Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Friday that the upcoming Noida International Airport will significantly enhance commerce, connectivity and ease congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport.
Describing the project as one of India’s key greenfield airports, Modi noted that it will offer not only passenger services but also a strong cargo ecosystem to strengthen the logistics sector.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to inaugurate Phase I of the Noida International Airport on Saturday, 28 March, in Gautam Buddh Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh. This facility is being developed as the second international airport serving the Delhi-NCR region, complementing IGI Airport and positioning the capital region as a major global aviation hub.
“Tomorrow, 28th March, is a day of immense importance for the people of Uttar Pradesh and the NCR. Phase I of Noida International Airport will be inaugurated. This will boost commerce and connectivity. It will ease congestion at the IGI Airport in Delhi,” Modi said.
Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model at a cost of INR 11,200 crore, Phase-I of the airport will initially handle 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA). Once fully developed, its capacity can be scaled up to 70 MPPA. The airport features a 3,900-metre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, modern navigation systems including the Instrument Landing System (ILS), and advanced airfield lighting for round-the-clock, all-weather operations.
It also includes a robust multi-modal cargo hub with an integrated cargo terminal and logistics zones. The facility is designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes of cargo annually, expandable up to 18 lakh metric tonnes, along with a dedicated 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility. As a future-ready and sustainable project, the Noida International Airport aims to operate as a net-zero emissions facility, incorporating energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices.
Together with Delhi’s IGI Airport, the two airports will function as an integrated aviation system, easing congestion, expanding passenger and cargo capacity, and establishing Delhi-NCR as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs.
According to the official statement issued on Thursday, the airport’s architectural design draws inspiration from Indian heritage, incorporating elements reminiscent of traditional ghats and havelis.
The airport is connected to the six-lane Yamuna Expressway, offering swift access to Noida, Greater Noida, Delhi, Gurugram, and major cities of western Uttar Pradesh. On Thursday, the Uttar Pradesh Government said NIA is set to become a “game changer” for the State’s economy with a wide-ranging impact across agriculture, industry, logistics and employment generation.
