The long-awaited Noida International Airport (NIA), located in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is now entering its final phase of construction and is set to partially open later this year. The first phase will handle domestic and cargo operations starting mid-September 2025, followed by the launch of international services in November 2025, according to officials.
This development comes after multiple delays, including postponed launch dates from September 2024 to April 2025, then to June, and now finally to November 2025. The Covid-19 pandemic and pending regulatory clearances contributed to these setbacks.
One of Asia’s Largest Airports by Area and Capacity
Spread across 3,296 acres (1,334 hectares), NIA is projected to become Asia’s largest airport by area and will eventually accommodate up to 70 million passengers per year. In its first phase, the airport will cater to 12 million passengers annually, with one runway and one terminal building, built at a cost of over ₹10,000 crore.
Once all four phases are complete around 2040, the total investment will exceed ₹29,650 crore ($3.46 billion). At full capacity, it will rank among the top four airports globally in terms of both area and passenger handling capability.
Final Construction Push Underway
The project has achieved major progress in 2025, with over 80% of construction completed overall and the runway and airside works crossing 90% completion. Terminal construction is also advancing steadily. However, the airport is still awaiting final approvals from key regulatory bodies such as the DGCA and BCAS for commercial flight operations.
The recent project review was conducted by Uttar Pradesh’s Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta ‘Nandi’, who confirmed that efforts are on track for the revised schedule.
Strong Connectivity and Infrastructure Plans
Strategically located 75 km from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, NIA will serve key cities in Delhi-NCR, Agra, Dadri, and beyond, easing congestion at Delhi airport and improving regional access.
The airport will feature a state-of-the-art ground transport hub, integrating metro, taxi, bus, and private vehicle services. A planned bullet train connection to Delhi will reduce travel time to just 21 minutes. Additionally, a high-speed rail corridor to Varanasi is in the works.
Cargo Hub and Sustainability Focus
NIA will also house a dedicated cargo terminal, being developed in partnership with Air India SATS, with the ability to handle over 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually in the first phase. Future expansion will scale up capacity significantly, turning NIA into a major freight hub.
On the environmental front, the airport includes initiatives such as the relocation of over 580 mature trees and the creation of an eight-acre forest buffer zone. Its terminal building is being designed with a cultural theme inspired by North Indian architecture, with emphasis on energy efficiency and natural lighting.
A Major Boost to Indian Aviation
Once operational, Noida International Airport will not only be the largest airport in Asia but will also become a key player in India’s civil aviation growth story. It is expected to boost tourism, economic development, regional trade, and infrastructure innovation, reinforcing India’s position as a rising global aviation m
