PM inaugurates Rs11,200 cr International airport in Noida

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Noida International Airport in Jewar, describing it as a major infrastructure boost to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth, while also flagging the ongoing West Asia crisis as a source of global disruption.

The Prime Minister said the airport would play a crucial role in linking western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region with global markets. He noted that cities such as Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut and Faridabad are expected to benefit through improved connectivity, trade and employment opportunities.

Developed at an estimated cost of Rs 11,200 crore in its first phase, the airport features a 4-km runway capable of handling international operations. Officials said that domestic passenger and cargo services are likely to commence within 45 days of regulatory clearance, placing the start of operations between mid-April and May 2026. International flights are expected to begin from September.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the aerodrome licence on March 6, paving the way for commercial operations.

Once operational, the airport is expected to ease congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, located about 90 km away, while catering to a large population in the NCR and adjoining regions.

Modi said the project forms part of a broader infrastructure push in Uttar Pradesh, citing developments such as the semiconductor facility in Noida, the expansion of the Meerut Metro and the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the airport would act as a catalyst for the state’s development. Governor Anandiben Patel and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu were also present.