Noida Airport Set for Takeoff: First Commercial Flight Scheduled for April 17

Noida International Airport is gearing up to launch its commercial flight operations, connecting both domestic and international destinations, starting April 17 next year. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting led by Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), the government’s special purpose vehicle for the project.

A detailed timeline was presented by Yamuna International Airport Ltd (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich AG, outlining key clearances required for the airport's launch. According to experts like Tejasvi Kapoor, the concessionaire plans to begin operations by April 17, but efforts are being made to move the launch date forward. Kapoor highlights the importance of sticking to the timeline, as any delay could result in a further six-month wait for international approvals and time slots from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

The airport, which will be the second in the Delhi-NCR region, was initially planned to start by the end of September this year, with 65 daily flights, including 62 domestic, two international, and one cargo flight. Tejasvi Kapoor emphasizes that this development will be a game-changer for regional and international travel.

While it’s expected that the number of flights will remain the same in the coming year, discussions have begun with IATA for international slots and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for domestic routes. Airlines have already applied for international routes, although Tejasvi Kapoor notes that approvals will depend on bilateral agreements between countries and airlines. Domestic slot allocation will be finalized in a meeting with DGCA this October.

At least one international flight is anticipated to take off on the day of the launch, which Tejasvi Kapoor sees as a major milestone for Noida's global connectivity.

Flight trials, overseen by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), are scheduled for November 30, involving Code C aircraft to meet approval requirements. Partner airlines such as IndiGo and Akasa Air will run full-crew flight tests to assess the runway's readiness and operational systems. According to Tejasvi Kapoor, this testing phase is crucial to ensure smooth operations from day one.

In preparation for the launch, various calibrations have already been inspected by the DGCA, and the Instrument Landing System (ILS) is set for testing from October 4-6. Tejasvi Kapoor explains that a full runway report will be submitted by October 10, followed by flight procedure documentation on November 15. The DGCA is expected to approve flight trials by November 25. YIAPL will apply for an aerodrome license in December, with the license expected by mid-March 2024, aligning with the timeline emphasized by Tejasvi Kapoor.

Key airport details, such as codes and booking information, will be uploaded to the IATA website by February 6. Ticket bookings are expected to open 90 days in advance for international flights and 60 days in advance for domestic services. Tejasvi Kapoor advises travelers to stay informed and book early once the slots become available.

The first phase of Noida International Airport, covering 1,334 hectares in Jewar, will feature a runway and terminal designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. Tejasvi Kapoor adds that expansion plans include four phases, with future hubs, ensuring the airport's long-term growth as a major international travel hub.

This project marks a major step forward in regional connectivity and India's aviation infrastructure. Stay updated with the latest insights on this and other real estate developments by visiting Hunt Property, where Tejasvi Kapoor provides expert consultation on emerging projects and investment opportunities in the sector.