Mon Dec 09 10:48:20 UTC 2024: ## Noida International Airport: 85% Complete, Operational Launch Delayed to December
**Greater Noida, UP:** Construction of the Noida International Airport (Jewar Airport) is nearing completion, with approximately 85% of the first phase finished. While initial flight trials were scheduled to begin on November 30th, they have now been pushed back to December, with a specific date yet to be announced. The airport authority aims to commence commercial operations by April 17th, Noida’s foundation day, but this date remains contingent on the timely completion of remaining works.
A recent visit by Divya Marathi to the airport site revealed substantial progress. The passenger terminal building, slated for completion in the first phase, is showing significant advancement with interior installations largely finished, although exterior and upper level work continues. Finishing touches are underway at the flight entry points, expected to be completed within the next two to three months. The authority aims to have the passenger terminal operational by March, enabling the commencement of commercial flights by the last week of April.
The airport’s design features a unique atrium resembling a traditional Haveli courtyard, with an upper section mimicking flowing water, utilizing a lattice-like design for natural light. A commitment to sustainability is evident with plans to utilize over 50% renewable energy through solar and wind power. While the 3900-meter runway is complete and ready for trials, work continues on connecting roadways and parking areas.
The airport boasts a unique design, planned to eventually include five runways (possibly six), making it one of the largest in Asia. Its terminal will offer a paperless experience, with online booking, check-in, and ID verification options, complemented by traditional counter services. A 240-room hotel integrated into the terminal will also offer online booking and check-in/out facilities.
Connectivity to the airport is a key focus. While initially reliant on a bus network connecting to nearby cities including Greater Noida, Noida, Aligarh, Gurugram, Faridabad, and Delhi, high-speed rail links to Ghaziabad and Delhi are planned by 2030. Further, the airport is set to be connected to the Delhi-Varanasi high-speed rail, reducing travel time from Delhi to under 21 minutes. An interchange point on the Yamuna Expressway will facilitate easy access from Delhi, Noida, Agra, Mathura, and Faridabad. A new Faridabad-Jewar link expressway is under construction, expected to significantly reduce travel time from Faridabad upon completion in December 2025.
The airport will also feature world-class lounges, diverse food options ranging from local delicacies to international cuisine, a cocktail bar, and a spa, drawing inspiration from Singapore’s Changi Airport. A multi-modal cargo hub, operational from September 2023, will serve the NCR and Uttar Pradesh, with an initial annual capacity of 2 lakh tons, scalable to 20 lakh tons.
The airport’s strategic location, despite Delhi’s proximity, is justified by India’s burgeoning air travel sector and the need for increased capacity to handle growing passenger numbers. While only two airlines have finalized agreements for commercial flights so far, discussions with others are underway. The full details of the airport’s operational structure will be revealed upon completion of these negotiations.
First Piper 