Noida International Airport Set to Take Off: Domestic Flights This Year, Global Routes in 2026
The highly anticipated Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is gearing up to begin operations by December 2025. Touted as the Delhi-NCR region’s second major aviation hub after IGI Airport, the new greenfield facility will initially welcome domestic flyers, while international operations are planned for the first half of 2026.
Domestic Operations to Begin This Year
According to CEO Christoph Schnellmann, the airport will start with daytime flights to ensure smooth and safe operations during the initial phase. Once the systems are fully tested and performance stabilizes, night operations will be gradually introduced.
The primary focus during the rollout will be on:
- Passenger safety and reliability
- High-quality flyer experience
- Seamless coordination with airlines and regulatory bodies
The first phase will feature operations from IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa Air, alongside supervision from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the DGCA. Schnellmann emphasized that the expansion pace will depend on the results of initial assessments and safety checks.
At present, the DGCA is conducting calibration flights to test key systems such as air navigation aids, runway lighting, and control mechanisms. These tests are the final step before the airport receives its operating licence.
Similar to Goa’s Mopa International Airport, which started with domestic flights before moving to international ones, NIA will adopt a phased launch strategy designed for scalability and operational safety.
Global Flights to Begin in 2026
International routes from Noida International Airport will commence after the domestic operations have stabilized and the airport successfully transitions to 24-hour flight schedules. Schnellmann confirmed that global operations are expected to begin by mid-2026 or early 2027.
Before full-scale international flights take off, NIA will undergo an Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process. This internationally recognized exercise ensures that:
- All facilities, systems, and infrastructure are fully functional
- Personnel are well-trained and prepared
- Safety and passenger service standards are at par with global benchmarks
The first passenger terminal at NIA is built to handle 1.2 crore passengers annually and is expected to serve around 60 lakh flyers in its debut year. The airport’s design allows for quick scalability as demand grows.
Schnellmann expressed optimism about India’s aviation potential, highlighting how Noida International Airport will strengthen connectivity across the NCR and boost the region’s economic development.
