Jewar, Uttar Pradesh: The Noida International Airport (NIA), located in Jewar, achieved a significant milestone on December 9, 2024, as it successfully conducted its first flight validation test. This marks a crucial step toward the airport’s commercial operations, scheduled to commence in April 2025.
An Airbus A320 operated by IndiGo took off from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) and landed at the newly constructed airport in Jewar. The flight was welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute, symbolizing the progress of this ambitious project. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu and senior officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and the Uttar Pradesh government.
Purpose and Key Highlights of the Validation Test
The validation flight aimed to evaluate various operational systems, including:
- Runway Performance: Testing the airport’s 3.9-kilometer runway for safe landings and takeoffs.
- Navigational Systems: Assessing the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI), which were calibrated earlier in October 2024.
- Air Traffic Control Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication between pilots and air traffic controllers.
- Emergency Preparedness: Reviewing response protocols for potential emergencies.
The flight also tested Required Navigation Performance (RNP) procedures, which ensure precise navigation and approach paths. The data collected during this exercise will be analyzed by DGCA to verify compliance with safety and operational standards. Once approved, the airport will apply for an aerodrome license—a mandatory requirement before commercial operations can begin.
Strategic Importance
Spread over 1,334 hectares, Noida International Airport is being developed in four phases under a public-private partnership model by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich International AG. The first phase, costing ₹10,056 crore, includes one terminal building and one runway designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. Upon full completion, the airport will have the capacity to manage up to 70 million passengers per year.
Positioned as a key infrastructure project for Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh, the airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity and boost economic growth. It will serve as a gateway to major tourist destinations such as Agra and Mathura while alleviating congestion at Delhi’s IGIA.
Remarks from Officials
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu hailed the event as a proud moment for India’s aviation sector. “This project reflects our commitment to building world-class infrastructure. Over 50 million man-hours have gone into this project without any incidents,” he said. Naidu also credited farmers and workers for their contributions to making the airport a reality.
Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport, expressed pride in achieving this milestone. “The successful completion of validation flights is a testament to our team’s dedication and marks an important step toward operational readiness,” he stated.
Next Steps
Validation trials will continue until December 15, with additional tests involving different aircraft types. Once all evaluations are complete and DGCA approval is secured, commercial operations are expected to begin by April 2025.
The successful trial marks a historic moment for Noida International Airport as it prepares to become India’s newest aviation hub, promising enhanced connectivity and economic opportunities for the region.
List of Articles and Sources
- Watch | Noida International Airport conducts first flight validation test, IndiGo plane receives water salute – CNBC TV18
- Noida’s Jewar Airport Successfully Conducts Test Landing, IndiGo Flight Gets Water Salute – News18
- Noida International Airport completes first flight test ahead of 2025 opening – Hindustan Times
- Noida International Airport achieves key milestone for operationalisation – Business Today
- Noida International Airport: How does Jewar airport impact NCR real estate sector? – India TV News
