Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Noida International Airport in Jewar Nears Operational Readiness
A new big airport is being built near Delhi called Noida International Airport.
It's located in a town called Jewar.
Workers have been busy building it on a large piece of land.
Recently, a special test flight flew to make sure all the airport's important systems, like navigation, are working correctly.
This is a big step before the airport can open.
The first part of the airport will have one runway and one building for passengers.
It's expected to help a lot of people travel by air, taking pressure off the older airport in Delhi.
The airport's design takes inspiration from Indian culture and aims to be environmentally friendly.
While construction is happening, some local farmers have had to move because their land was used for the airport.
They are being compensated and relocated.
The airport hopes to offer cheaper flights and a unique experience for travelers when it finally opens.
Noida International Airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is progressing towards operational status, with a successful calibration flight conducted on October 31.
The first phase of the airport, costing Rs 6,500 crore, is slated for inauguration in November and will feature one runway and one terminal, handling 1.2 crore passengers annually.
Once fully completed across three phases, the airport is projected to have six runways and four terminals, with a total passenger capacity of 5 crore annually.
The airport's development is aimed at easing the passenger load on Delhi's IGI Airport and strategically positioning itself to serve western Uttar Pradesh and nearby tourist destinations.
The project has involved land acquisition from local villages, with compensation packages and rehabilitation efforts in place, alongside design elements inspired by Indian heritage and a commitment to net-zero emissions.
- Who
- Airports Authority of India (AAI), Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), state government officials, construction workers, and local villagers.
- What
- The upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar is nearing operational readiness with successful calibration flights, construction progressing across its phases, and plans to handle a significant passenger load.
- When
- A calibration flight was conducted on October 31. State government sources indicate the first phase could be inaugurated in November, though an official inauguration date is unannounced. Construction began in June 2022.
- Where
- Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, approximately 85 km from Delhi's IGI Airport.
- Why
- To alleviate passenger load on Delhi's IGI Airport, cater to the growing air traffic in the National Capital Region (NCR), and serve passengers from western Uttar Pradesh and surrounding cities.
Villagers facing displacement
Developers and officials
Compensation and Livelihoods
Villagers facing displacement
Some villagers who have had their land acquired express concerns about using up compensation money for new homes and having no other means of income. Some demand higher compensation for their land.
Developers and officials
Officials state that compensation packages have increased over phases and that rehabilitation plans were designed to feel like the old village, with rising property rates benefiting those who remain.
Future Prospects for Farmers
Villagers facing displacement
Some younger individuals express a desire not to follow in their parents' footsteps as farmers, seeing no financial future in agriculture and wanting to start businesses with compensation money.
Developers and officials
The airport development is seen as a catalyst for economic growth, with opportunities for new businesses and increased travel leading to potential income for influencers and service providers.
- Location
- Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh
- Developer
- Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG
- Phase 1 Cost
- Rs 6,500 crore
- Phase 1 Capacity
- 1.2 crore passengers annually
- Phase 1 Operations
- 1 runway, 1 terminal, 30 flights (25 domestic, 3 international, 2 cargo)
- Total Planned
- 6 runways, 4 terminals
- Total Projected Capacity
- 5 crore passengers annually