Noida Airport Flight Schedule Expected to be Finalized on October 1.

Key Stakeholders to Meet on October 1 to Finalize Flight Schedule for Noida International Airport

Key stakeholders involved in the Noida International Airport (NIA) project are set to convene on October 1 to finalize flight schedules and establish a timeline for securing the necessary clearances to commence commercial operations by April next year.

The meeting will include representatives from Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Amit Kumar Jha, undersecretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, has urged NIAL CEO Arun Vir Singh to finalize the timelines for commercial flight operations following discussions with key agencies.

In addition to flight schedules, the Centre has outlined 14 critical activities for discussion, including the calibration of the instrument landing system, flight trials, and the submission of documents required for aerodrome licensing. The finalized timeline will be submitted to the Ministry after consultations with all stakeholders.

Singh emphasized the importance of the upcoming meeting in paving the way for commercial operations. "The Centre has insisted that all parties meet to discuss the steps leading to the airport's launch. We have invited all agencies to a meeting at 11:30 AM on October 1. The DGCA and YIAPL will be crucial in ensuring timely applications for the aerodrome license. We will also establish the exact schedule for flight operations and other preparations, including the application for the aeronautical information publication (AIP), which must be completed 70 days before commercial operations commence," he stated.

The airport was initially slated to begin operations by the end of September, with plans for up to 65 daily flights covering 62 domestic routes and two international destinations, alongside a cargo flight. The specific number of flights and destinations will be confirmed during the meeting.

YIAPL has already secured agreements with IndiGo and Akasa Air for services at the airport. Akasa, which began commercial operations in August 2022, plans to build a comprehensive air network from Noida, connecting major metropolitan areas and Tier 2 and 3 cities nationwide. Last November, NIA also signed an agreement with IndiGo, designating it as the airport's launch carrier.

YIAPL officials indicated last month that while the runway is ready, work is ongoing for markings and ground lights. Flight trials to test the instrument landing system are scheduled for September and October, followed by validation flights for approach and departure procedures in December. Once completed, YIAPL will apply for an aerodrome license from the DGCA, which is essential for initiating commercial operations.

The first phase of the international airport, spanning 1,334 hectares in Jewar, is designed to feature a runway and terminal with an annual passenger capacity of 12 million. The airport's development will occur in four phases, with plans for multiple hubs as it expands.

ET