Noida International Airport May Miss April 17 Launch, Final Decision on March 10 After CM Yogi's Review

The launch of Noida International Airport, one of India’s most anticipated infrastructure projects, may face delays, with commercial flight operations unlikely to begin as scheduled on April 17, 2025. Officials from Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) have indicated that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to issue the airport’s aerodrome license by April 30, pushing back the original timeline. The final decision regarding the operational start date will be made on March 10, when Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will review the project’s progress. This review will determine flight schedules, the number of operational flights, and the initial services to be launched.

Several regulatory steps must be completed before the airport becomes operational. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) was scheduled to publish the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), a crucial step that lists the airport in global aviation records. However, this has been delayed due to pending infrastructure work. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) must also grant final clearance before commercial operations can begin. Another critical component, the Air Navigation System (ANS), which manages air traffic, is set to be installed by March 31.

A recent high-level DGCA meeting reviewed the airport’s progress and noted that while the lower levels of the terminal, designated for domestic passengers, are nearing completion, the international section is still under construction. This suggests that international flights may not be part of the initial launch phase.

Despite uncertainty about its opening, Noida International Airport has significantly influenced real estate development in Greater Noida, Jewar, and the Yamuna Expressway corridor. Since 2018, when the airport project gained momentum, land prices in Jewar have increased by over 400%. Residential property values in Noida have also risen, with prices per square foot climbing from ₹4,700-4,900 in 2019 to ₹7,500-10,000 in premium projects today. Properties along the Yamuna Expressway have appreciated by 40% over the past five years, with projections indicating a further 50% increase by 2030.

Commercial real estate in the area has also seen significant growth. Businesses are seeking office spaces near the airport, leading to rising demand for retail, hospitality, and office developments. Improved road networks, metro expansions, and the establishment of new economic zones are expected to further drive property investment in the region.

The March 10 meeting in Lucknow will bring together key stakeholders, including Tata Sons Chairman, Tata Projects MD, and senior officials from DGCA, AAI, BCAS, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), and NIAL. They will present a status report to the Chief Minister, which will determine the revised launch schedule.

The delays in the airport’s operational timeline highlight the challenges of large-scale infrastructure development. While the project has seen steady progress, regulatory approvals and infrastructure readiness remain critical to ensuring a smooth launch. Once operational, Noida International Airport is expected to enhance regional connectivity, boost economic activity, and reinforce Noida’s position as a key commercial hub.