Noida International Airport: First Passenger Flights Expected by December 29; CEO Highlights Operational Challenges

The Noida International Airport in Jewar, currently under construction, is expected to commence passenger flights starting in December, according to The Indian Express. Once the full expansion is completed, the airport will become the largest in India.

Initially, the airport's basic operations were slated to begin by the end of September. However, Noida International Airport Limited CEO Arun Vir Singh has confirmed that four domestic flights are scheduled to begin operating by December 29. He also mentioned that additional flights are expected to be introduced regularly by February.

Challenges to Operationalization

Despite the progress, there are significant hurdles to the airport’s operationalization. A major obstacle is the pending second phase of environmental clearance.

“The first stage of clearance, required before construction began, was granted by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC). However, the clearance needed before operations can commence is still pending,” Singh explained.

A contributing factor to the delay is the relocation of 111 animals, including blackbucks, peafowl, and deer, from the site of the future airport. “The relocation of these animals must be completed before the airport can begin operations,” Singh added.

Efforts are ongoing to address these issues and ensure that the airport meets its scheduled launch date.