Noida: Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) announced on Monday that the eagerly awaited Noida International Airport in Jewar is slated to begin operations on April 17, next year. The airport will kick off with an initial offering of 30 flights, connecting travelers to multiple destinations across the world.
Among the 30 flights, 25 will serve domestic routes, while three will cater to international travel, alongside two dedicated cargo flights. International destinations will include Zurich, Singapore, and Dubai, while domestic flights will link to major cities such as Lucknow, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Dehradun, and Hubli. Meanwhile, a detailed flight schedule is anticipated to be released in the near future.
IndiGo, Akasa actively working with DGCA, says NIAL CEO
Arun Vir Singh, CEO of NIAL, shared insights into the preparations, indicating that partner airlines IndiGo and Akasa Air are actively working with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to finalise the domestic routes and coordinating with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for international connections.
Although it is also worth mentioning that initially, the airport was projected to commence operations by the end of September this year, with plans for up to 65 daily flights, including 62 domestic, two international, and one cargo flight. However, following a high-level meeting with stakeholders, including Yamuna International Airport Limited (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Swiss airport operator Zurich AG, the DGCA, and the Airports Authority of India, it was decided to push back the start date to April 17, 2025.
Announcement on final slots for route allocations
While airlines have submitted requests for international routes, these will depend on bilateral agreements between nations and the airlines involved. Domestic route allocations are under discussion with the DGCA, with final slots expected to be determined and announced later.
NIAL confirmed that the construction of the airport’s first phase, spanning 1,334 hectares, is nearing completion. Bookings for international flights are anticipated to open about 90 days before the airport’s launch, while domestic flight tickets will be available six weeks in advance. The company plans to apply for an aerodrome license in December, with approval from the civil aviation ministry expected within 90 days. The license to operate flights from the runway should be secured by March 2025.
