JEWAR, UTTAR PRADESH– In a landmark moment for India’s infrastructure and global connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar today, March 28, 2026.
Developed with an investment of approximately ₹11,200 crore, the greenfield project marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for the National Capital Region (NCR) and Western Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Civil Aviation officials, conducted a walkthrough of the state-of-the-art terminal before marking the official opening.
A World-Class Aviation Hub
Phase I of the airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. Spanning over 1,300 hectares, the facility features a 3,900-metre runway equipped with Category III instrument landing systems, ensuring seamless 24/7 operations even in low-visibility conditions.
“Today, India takes a giant leap toward becoming a global aviation powerhouse,” said Prime Minister Modi during the ceremony. “The Noida International Airport is not just a gateway for flights; it is a gateway for jobs, investment, and a brighter future for the youth of Uttar Pradesh.”
Key Features of Phase I:
Net-Zero Vision: The airport is designed as India’s first net-zero emissions airport, utilizing 100% renewable energy and advanced water management systems.
Cultural Identity: The terminal’s architecture draws inspiration from India’s heritage, featuring a grand internal courtyard reminiscent of traditional havelis and a “stepped” design inspired by the ghats of Varanasi.
Logistics Powerhouse: A dedicated Integrated Cargo Terminal with a capacity of 2.5 lakh metric tonnes aims to turn the region into a major global logistics hub.
Multi-Modal Connectivity: The airport is integrated with the Yamuna Expressway and is slated for future connections to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, Eastern Peripheral Expressway, and a dedicated Metro link.
Economic Impact
The project is expected to generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the economy of nearby cities including Noida, Agra, Mathura, and Meerut. By easing the traffic burden on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, NIA provides a critical second international gateway for the region.
Flight Operations
While the inauguration marks the completion of the facility, commercial flight operations are scheduled to commence in mid-April 2026. Leading carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have already confirmed their status as launch partners, with initial routes focusing on domestic hubs before expanding to international destinations later this year.
The completion of Phase I is the first of four planned stages. Once fully expanded, the Noida International Airport will feature two runways and two terminals, with a final capacity to serve 70 million passengers annually.
