- By Chetna Shree
- Fri, 12 Sep 2025 11:06 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a major update, the Noida International Airport (NIA) is set to commence both domestic and cargo flight operations by the fourth quarter of 2025, positioning itself as a major aviation hub. NIA's Chief Executive Officer, Christoph Schnellmann, recently said that all aeronautical infrastructure is ready with final touches and technical installations underway.
According to officials, the Noida International Airport is expected to handle around six million passengers in its first year of commercial operations. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is in the process of installing and testing equipment for the air traffic control tower, marking a crucial step towards achieving full operational readiness, The Hindu Businessline reported.
Noida International Airport Updates
- The Noida International Airport has entered the crucial Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) phase to ensure smooth flight operations.
- This phase involves trial runs, simulations, and familiarisation sessions designed for airlines, ground handlers, and all key stakeholders.
- To ensure smooth operations from day one, vital systems, including baggage handling, security screening, check-in counters, and boarding gates, are being thoroughly tested.
- Earlier in July, the Noida International Airport initiated full-scale terminal trials to test passenger flow, integrate various systems and coordinate efforts among partners.
- Besides preparing for passenger services, the Noida International Airport’s cargo terminal is also nearing completion, with ORAT procedures for the facility set to begin shortly.
- Work on the fuel farm and hydrant system is scheduled to begin soon, ensuring all critical services are fully operational ahead of the official launch.
The Noida International Airport will operate with a single runway and one passenger terminal in its first phase. The airport is designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. Over time, the airport will be expanded in four developmental phases. Once fully operational, the airport will accommodate 70 million passengers annually, making it one of the largest aviation hubs in the country.
IndiGo is expected to be the first airline to commence operations with NIA under a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Several international carriers have also shown interest in launching services once the airport becomes operational.