The Noida International Airport, popularly known as Jewar airport, is set to be inaugurated on October 30, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu announced on Tuesday. The inauguration will mark a major milestone in expanding aviation capacity for the National Capital Region (NCR).
Within 45 days of the inauguration, flight operations to at least 10 major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kolkata, are expected to commence. Talks are ongoing with leading airlines such as IndiGo and Air India Express to initiate services from the airport.
Connectivity and infrastructure
The airport has been planned with robust connectivity options. It will be linked to the NCR through six major roads, a rapid rail-cum-metro network, and pod taxis. These links aim to reduce travel time for passengers while decongesting Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Runway trials were successfully conducted on 9 December 2024, when a commercial aircraft landed on the tarmac. Authorities had also issued an advisory in July 2025 restricting the height of new constructions within a 20 kilometre radius of the airport to ensure aviation safety.
Once operational, the airport will function under the international code DXN.
Expansion of Hindon Airport
In addition to the Noida airport project, the Civil Aviation Ministry has announced the expansion of Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad. A request for nine acres of additional land has been made to the Uttar Pradesh government to expand parking facilities.
The move is expected to ease air traffic pressure from the Delhi airport and provide greater convenience to passengers in western Uttar Pradesh.
Passenger-friendly measures nationwide
The Union minister also said that free Wi-Fi will be available at all airports across the country within the next two months. Additionally, the government plans to open libraries at airports, providing passengers with better facilities during layovers and waiting periods.
These initiatives are part of the ministry’s broader plan to make air travel more comfortable and accessible for Indian passengers.
Significance for NCR and beyond
The Noida International Airport is being touted as one of the largest upcoming airports in Asia. Once fully functional, it is expected to handle 12 million passengers annually in its first phase, with future expansions aimed at increasing this capacity to 70 million passengers per year.
Experts believe that the project will not only ease congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport but also boost regional economic growth. Improved air connectivity is expected to attract investments, create jobs, and promote tourism in Uttar Pradesh.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Noida International Airport on October 30 is set to transform the aviation landscape of the National Capital Region. With flights to begin within 45 days, the project promises enhanced connectivity, modern infrastructure, and passenger-friendly facilities that will strengthen India’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world