Test flight successfully lands at Noida airport

A test flight was successfully landed at the Noida International Airport on Friday after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) postponed the exercise, a day earlier, due to unfavourable weather.Officials said the flight was conducted once conditions improved, completing the airport’s calibration process. The test involved checking navigation and communication systems, crucial for the airport’s operational readiness.

In its first phase, the airport spanning more than 1,334 hectares will function with a single runway and terminal, designed to handle up to 12 million passengers annually.

During the exercise, the DGCA and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials tested key systems, including the Instrument Landing System (ILS), VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) and air traffic communication tools installed in the control tower.

The Noida International Airport had earlier conducted its first validation flight on December 9, 2024, which marked the inaugural landing and take-off from its runway. That test confirmed the runway’s readiness and the safety of aviation infrastructure.

Earlier this year, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) granted the airport its security clearance, certifying compliance with national aviation safety standards. The clearance is mandatory before final approvals from the DGCA.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during his visit to the site last week, reviewed the progress and was informed that all work related to the inauguration would be completed by November 15. He has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate the facility. Though the Chief Minister’s Office later said the airport was “ready for inauguration” the final date has not been announced yet.

The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) formally assumed charge of the airport’s security in September, with 1,047 personnel deployed in the first phase.

So far, Noida International Airport has signed agreements with IndiGo and Akasa Air. IndiGo will be the launch carrier, while Akasa plans to develop Noida as a hub for metro and regional routes.

As part of its operational readiness and airport transfer (ORAT) programme, the airport recently carried out advanced terminal trials simulating real passenger experiences. These trials tested all systems, including check-in, security screening, baggage handling and boarding, to ensure smooth integration and efficiency before commercial operations begin.