Why Is The April 17 Deadline Crucial For Noida Airport Launch?

Noida: Noida International Airport is set to commence commercial flight operations to both domestic and international destinations starting April 17, 2025. This decision was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Noida International Airport Ltd. (NIAL), the government's special purpose vehicle for the project. A comprehensive timeline outlining the necessary clearances for the airport's launch was presented by Yamuna International Airport Ltd. (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich AG, a Swiss airport major.The April 17 deadline is crucial for several reasons. If the timeline is not adhered to, it could result in a six-month delay in obtaining international approvals and time slots from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Arun Vir Singh, CEO of NIAL, emphasised the importance of this timeline, stating, “The concessionaire has submitted a plan to start commercial operations by April 17. But we will try to bring the launch date forward.” The airport, the second in the Delhi-NCR region, was initially scheduled to start operations by the end of September this year, with plans for up to 65 daily flights—62 on domestic routes, two for international destinations, and one cargo flight.The first phase of the international airport, covering 1,334 hectares in Jewar, will feature a runway and terminal designed to accommodate 12 million passengers annually. There are plans to expand the project into four phases, ultimately incorporating multiple hubs.