The Noida International Airport in Jewar is finally crossing off the list of things standing between it and the opening. The launch of the airport was due a few months ago, save for an important detail, the license to operate as an airport, which comes in after everything is checked and the regulator is happy with it all.
Noida International Airport gets the go-ahead to launch
After years of construction, regulatory inspections and a few timeline revisions along the way, Noida International Airport (DXN), popularly known as Jewar Airport, has crossed the most significant regulatory milestone before starting operations.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted the airport its aerodrome licence, clearing it for commercial flight operations. The licence has been issued to Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), the concessionaire responsible for the construction and operation of the airport. This means the airport has now been certified to operate scheduled commercial flights and meets the safety, infrastructure and operational standards required under India’s civil aviation regulations.
Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport, said,
Receiving the aerodrome license is a key milestone in our journey. It reflects the strong collaboration with our partners and the rigorous work undertaken to ensure readiness for commercial operations. We are committed to delivering a modern, efficient and passenger‑centric airport that will serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth.
The final regulatory milestone before launch
An aerodrome licence is essentially the final regulatory step before an airport can begin commercial operations in India. The certification confirms that the airport’s infrastructure, safety systems, air traffic procedures and emergency response capabilities meet the standards required under the Aircraft Rules.
The licence issued to Noida International Airport allows it to operate 24 hours a day under all-weather conditions, enabling both passenger and cargo flights.
The airport’s first operational phase includes a 3,900-metre runway (10/28) capable of handling widebody aircraft operations. As per the government’s statement, the airport infrastructure currently includes:
- a 3,900 m × 45 m runway
- Instrument Landing System (ILS)
- Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL)
- aircraft parking stands capable of handling Code C and Code E aircraft
- Category 9 firefighting capability (Category 9 firefighting capability allows the airport to support widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 777 or Airbus A350.)
Years in the making
The Noida International Airport project has been under development for several years and is one of India’s most significant greenfield airport developments, alongside the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The airport is being developed by Zurich Airport International, which won the concession in 2019 to build and operate the airport for 40 years.
Once operational, the airport will serve as the second major airport for the National Capital Region, complementing Delhi’s existing aviation hub, IGIA. The Hindon Civil Enclave, part of the Hindon Airbase, will also be continuing operations. Back in 2020, the project officially received its branding when the upcoming facility was confirmed to be called “Noida International Airport”.
The project has seen multiple timeline adjustments as construction progressed. In fact, the airport’s opening was previously pushed back during construction, which we reported at the time. With the aerodrome licence now issued, the airport appears finally ready to move toward commercial operations.
Validation flights paved the way
Before receiving its aerodrome licence, the airport underwent several rounds of operational validation. One of the most visible milestones came when IndiGo conducted a validation flight at the airport, testing runway procedures and navigational aids.
Validation flights are used to test airport systems, including runway approach procedures, navigational aids, air traffic control systems, and lighting and landing infrastructure. These tests help confirm that pilots can safely operate into and out of the airport under real-world operational conditions.
What the airport will look like in Phase 1
The airport will initially open with one runway and a single passenger terminal. The first phase is designed to handle around 12 million passengers annually. The full development plan spans four phases, eventually expanding capacity to around 70 million passengers annually. Future phases will introduce:
- additional runways
- expanded passenger terminals
- cargo infrastructure
- maintenance and logistics facilities
The airport is expected to become a major aviation and logistics hub along the Yamuna Expressway corridor, driving development across the region.
Airlines that are expected to start operations
With the aerodrome licence now granted, the airport will move into the final operational readiness and airport transfer (ORAT) stage before flights begin. Airlines are already preparing to begin operations from the airport. IndiGo, which conducted the validation flight, is widely expected to be among the first airlines to launch services and already has an understanding with the airport. Other airlines linked to early operations include Air India Express and Akasa Air.
Initial routes are expected to focus primarily on key domestic destinations such as Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, with international routes likely to follow once operations stabilise.
Bottomline
The DGCA’s grant of the aerodrome licence marks a major milestone for Noida International Airport (Jewar). After years of construction, planning and regulatory checks, the airport is now officially cleared for commercial flight operations. While the exact launch timeline will be confirmed closer to the start of operations, the aerodrome licence signals that the NCR’s second major airport is now in the final stretch before welcoming its first flights. It is expected to be inaugurated in March 2026.
What do you think of the Noida International Airport finally coming to life?
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