New Delhi: The Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar in Gautam Buddha Nagar marked a significant milestone with the successful completion of its first validation flight. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the achievement on X, stating, “The upcoming Noida International Airport will boost connectivity and ‘Ease of Living’ for the NCR and Uttar Pradesh. Our Government has been taking many steps to ensure top-quality infrastructure for the people and leverage the power of connectivity to further prosperity.”
The validation flight, conducted by an IndiGo Airbus A320, is a crucial step towards securing the aerodrome licence required for commercial operations. The flight tested the airport’s navigational aids, approach procedures, and air traffic control systems, demonstrating compliance with stringent safety and operational standards.
Minister lauds milestone
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who witnessed the flight, also took to X, saying, “Witnessed the successful first test flight landing at Noida International Airport today, marking a major milestone in the development of this state-of-the-art infrastructure.” He emphasised that the airport, developed under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will transform regional connectivity and bolster India’s aviation sector.
During his visit, the minister interacted with the airport staff and acknowledged their efforts in bringing the project to life. He also expressed gratitude to local leaders, including Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh and Gautam Buddha Nagar MP Dr Mahesh Sharma, for their support in making the project a reality.
A game-changer for connectivity and growth
Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport, expressed excitement about the milestone, saying, “This milestone reflects the dedication and meticulous planning that has gone into ensuring the airport is ready for commercial operations. We are gearing up for the airport’s opening and look forward to welcoming passengers.”
The validation flight assessed the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) procedures and the Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach, both critical for ensuring operational precision. The airport had earlier conducted exercises to calibrate the ILS and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems.
Once operational, the Noida International Airport is expected to revolutionise regional and international connectivity, enhance economic growth, and reinforce India’s position as a global aviation hub. The project aligns with the government’s vision of providing world-class infrastructure to drive economic prosperity and improve the ease of living.
