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India is on the brink of unveiling a new aviation marvel. The Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is nearing completion in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh. This ambitious project aims to alleviate congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) and enhance connectivity across India and beyond. Once fully operational, Jewar is poised to become one of the largest airports in Asia. With cutting-edge technology, world-class infrastructure, and a focus on sustainability, it represents a significant milestone in India’s economic and infrastructural growth.
According to Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister for Civil Aviation’s recent statement in Rajya Sabha, the airport will begin operation from April this year. The validation flight was conducted there in December 2024. Naidu also said that airlines like Indigo and Air India are excited to improve connectivity from the airport and start operations there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in November 2021 for the airport, envisioning an airport that could rival global hubs like Dubai and Singapore. The airport will serve as a second major aviation hub for the National Capital Region (NCR), reducing congestion at Delhi Airport and opening new international routes.
The airport is being developed in multiple phases, with the first phase approximately 80% complete. Operations are expected to commence by April 2025. In its first phase, one runway will be operational, with additional runways and terminals to be added as demand grows.
Here are the key features of Jewar Airport.
Area: Spread across 5,000 hectares.
Runways: Six planned runways (Delhi’s IGI Airport currently has three).
Passenger capacity: Initial capacity of 12 million passengers annually, scaling up to over 70 million.
Terminals: World-class facilities with advanced immigration and baggage handling systems.
Cargo hub: A massive cargo terminal to boost exports.
Design: Seamless integration for domestic and international transit.
Sustainability initiatives: Jewar Airport is being developed as a smart and sustainable airport, with:
Energy: 100% renewable energy usage.
Carbon emissions: Aiming for net-zero carbon emissions.
Green buildings: Natural ventilation and energy-efficient designs.
Water management: Water recycling and rainwater harvesting systems.
Solar power: On-site solar power generation.
This will make Jewar Airport India’s first net-zero emissions airport.
Airports are not just about air travel; they are vital for connecting people and businesses. Jewar Airport is designed with robust transport links to ensure seamless connectivity.
Road and Rail Connectivity:
1. Expressways:
– Direct access to the Yamuna Expressway.
– Links to the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway.
– Connection to the Eastern Peripheral Expressway to bypass Delhi traffic.
2. Metro and Rail Links:
– Extension of Delhi Metro’s Aqua Line.
– A dedicated airport express line is planned.
– High-speed rail link to Delhi.
3. Bus Network:
– UPSRTC buses will connect 17 districts in Uttar Pradesh.
– Direct bus services from Agra, Mathura, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Lucknow, and Kanpur.
For international travellers, the airport will provide seamless connections to Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida.
Economic impact: Jewar Airport is more than an aviation project; it is a significant economic driver for the region. Thousands of jobs will be created across various sectors. This includes construction jobs during the building phase, airport operations, including pilots, engineers, security staff, and airline crew, hospitality jobs in hotels, restaurants, and transport services, and more. Once fully operational, the airport is expected to generate over 100,000 jobs.
Talking about investment opportunities, the airport is attracting substantial investments. From real estate development around the airport to industrial parks and logistics hubs, it is attracting investments of many types. The airport will also make way for the opening of new hotels, malls, and commercial spaces. Property prices in nearby areas like Greater Noida, Yamuna Expressway, and Mathura are expected to rise significantly.
Tourism Growth will also happen thanks to the upcoming airport. The improved air connectivity will boost tourism in Uttar Pradesh. It may also help in increased international visits to the Taj Mahal in Agra and Vrindavan-Mathura. Growth in religious tourism to Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya, is also expected to get a boost. Enhanced access to adventure tourism destinations in Uttarakhand will also result thanks to the new airport.
While IGI Airport is nearing full capacity, Jewar Airport will alleviate the load and provide a new aviation hub for North India.
The Countdown Begins: The dream of Jewar International Airport is becoming a reality. Test flights are expected in early 2025. Passenger operations are set to begin by mid-2025. Additional airlines and international flights will be introduced over time.
Jewar Airport is not just an airport; it is a gateway to India’s future. With its massive scale, cutting-edge technology, and ambitious vision, it will redefine air travel in India. It will connect cities, create jobs, boost trade, and attract global investors. As flights begin to take off and land, Jewar Airport will mark the beginning of a new era in Indian aviation. For India, this is not just another airport—it is a giant leap into the future.
