Noida Airport Gets DGCA License, Flights Expected Soon

Top Summary

What happened: The DGCA granted Noida International Airport (NIA) an aerodrome license, a critical step before operations begin.
Why it matters: This license certifies the airport meets all safety and operational standards.
What changes for people: Cargo and domestic flight operations are expected to commence within 45 days.
Who is affected: Residents of Delhi NCR and western Uttar Pradesh will benefit from increased air travel options.

DGCA Approval Secured

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted the aerodrome licence to the upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) on Friday.

This approval removes the final regulatory obstacle before the airport's launch. The licence confirms that the airport adheres to all safety and operational requirements set by the aviation regulator.

Airport Features & Capabilities

NIA is licensed under the Public Use category for all-weather operations.

It boasts a 3,900 m x 45 m runway with orientation 10/28, supported by an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Aeronautical Ground Lighting (AGL).

These features enable 24x7 operations.

The airport provides parking for 24 Code C and 02 Code D/F aircraft.

It's also equipped with ARFF Category 9 facilities to handle wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777-300ER.

"The development of NIA is part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation's broader vision for building a robust aviation ecosystem," stated the government.

BCAS Security Clearance

This news follows closely on the heels of NIA receiving mandatory security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) the previous day.

The BCAS had previously raised concerns about potential interference with the Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (DVOR).

They also questioned a temporary steel wall near the DVOR, citing potential safety risks during landings and take-offs.

"While constructing the permanent wall will take a few months, BCAS has granted clearance on the condition that a permanent structure is built within six months," an official said.

Operations Timeline

Following the DGCA approval, cargo and domestic flight operations are projected to begin within 45 days, as stipulated in the project plan.

Project Details

Noida International Airport spans 1,300 hectares in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.

Originally slated for launch in September 2024, the airport is initially expected to handle roughly 12 million passengers annually.

NIA is being developed as the National Capital Region’s second major airport, complementing Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi.

The project was awarded in October 2020 to Zurich Airport International AG.

Zurich Airport International AG is developing and operating the airport.
This is being done through their Indian subsidiary, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL).
This is under a 40-year public-private partnership.

Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), the state-owned special purpose vehicle, oversees the project on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government.

Phased Development

Noida International Airport is being developed in four phases alongside a multi-modal cargo hub.

In the initial phase, featuring one runway and one terminal, the airport will accommodate approximately 12 million passengers annually.

Upon completion of all phases, the airport will have the capacity to handle up to 70 million passengers per year.

What to Watch Next

Keep an eye out for the official announcement of the commencement date for cargo and domestic flight operations, expected within the next 45 days. Construction of the permanent wall near the DVOR will be another key development to monitor in the coming months.