Noida International Airport is scheduled to commence commercial flight operations for both domestic and international routes starting April 17, 2025, officials announced following a high-level meeting on Tuesday. The meeting was led by Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL) and included representatives from Yamuna International Airport Ltd (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich AG, which presented a comprehensive timeline outlining the necessary clearances for the airport’s launch.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has instructed NIAL and other relevant authorities to finalise flight schedules and other critical operational timelines ahead of the airport’s opening to ensure a smooth and timely launch. The facility will be the second major airport serving the Delhi-NCR region.
Initially expected to open by the end of September this year, the airport's commercial operations were delayed. It is now expected to accommodate up to 65 flights daily, including 62 on domestic routes, two for international destinations, and one cargo flight.
“The concessionaire has submitted a plan to start commercial operations by April 17. However, we are exploring the possibility of bringing the launch date forward. Any delay beyond April 17 could push the timeline for securing international approvals and time slots from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) by another six months,” NIAL CEO Arun Vir Singh told The Times of India.
Singh added that discussions are underway with IATA for international flight slots and with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for domestic routes. He also noted that the number of flights is unlikely to change in the first year of operation.
Progress on the project remains on track, with flight trials, including tests conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), scheduled for November 30.
Meanwhile, the Namo Bharat Metro line, which will connect Ghaziabad to the Noida International Airport, is making strides. The 72.4-kilometer metro route, expected to be completed by 2031, will ease commuting between Delhi NCR and the new airport in Jewar. The line will feature 22 stations, starting from Siddharth Vihar in Ghaziabad and reaching the airport via Greater Noida West and Alpha One.