Noida International Airport
The National Capital Region (NCR) is gearing up to welcome its second major airport with the Noida International Airport (also known as Jewar Airport), set to open in April 2025. With the first trial flights scheduled in the coming days, NDTV received an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the bustling construction site, offering insights into the airport’s design, connectivity, and expected passenger numbers.
In an exclusive interview, Noida International Airport CEO Christoph Schnellmann shared the vision behind the airport’s development. He emphasized the aim to deliver a passenger experience that blends Indian hospitality with Swiss efficiency and quality.
The airport is being developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a subsidiary of the Swiss company Zurich Airport International AG, in collaboration with Noida International Airport Limited, which represents the Uttar Pradesh government.
Strategic Location and Project Milestones
Located in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Western Uttar Pradesh, the airport is set to become a key player in India’s growing aviation market. The Indian aviation industry has experienced significant growth, with a compounded annual growth rate of 8.9% between 2013 and 2023. With Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi nearing its capacity, the new Noida International Airport will help meet the growing demand for air travel in the region.
The first trial flights will mark a key milestone in the airport’s development and India’s aviation sector as a whole. The airport has been carefully designed with local materials, and one of its standout features will be a flight of steps at the terminal’s entrance, which will resemble the ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar. The design incorporates a climate-conscious approach, with natural lighting and ventilation to minimize energy consumption and reduce the airport’s environmental footprint.
Designing with Indian Heritage in Mind
Christoph Schnellmann explained that design has been a primary focus for the airport’s development since the project began five years ago. He highlighted how the terminal blends local architectural elements with global design standards. “We’ve been very deliberate about designing the terminal by picking up elements from the region’s rich architectural heritage,” he said. “We want an airport that feels very much at home in North India, in Western Uttar Pradesh.”
One of the notable design choices includes an open-air courtyard inspired by the traditional ‘havelis’ of the region. The airport will also feature other cultural elements such as the flight of steps reflecting India’s architectural legacy.
The airport is not just a transportation hub but is also envisioned as a gateway to several key tourist and pilgrimage destinations in North India. It will serve as a vital link to attractions like the Taj Mahal, Mathura and Vrindavan, and popular pilgrimages such as the Chardham Yatra and Kumbh Mela. The airport will also be a key access point for the Buddhist circuit, including Sravasti, Kapilavastu, and Kushinagar.
Passenger Projections and Future Expansion
The first phase of Noida International Airport is designed to handle 1.2 crore (12 million) passengers annually. This number is expected to grow to 3 crore (30 million) by the end of the decade and reach 7 crore (70 million) as the airport continues to expand.
The airport will initially have one operational runway, with plans for a second runway in the future. The terminal will be equipped with 10 aerobridges and three bus gates. As passenger numbers increase, the airport’s apron area will expand from the initial 28 aircraft spots to 200 spots.
Schnellmann emphasized that the terminal has been designed with future growth in mind. “The terminal’s pier can expand to the west to accommodate more passengers, and the building can also be mirrored to the east,” he said.
Conclusion
Noida International Airport promises to be a state-of-the-art facility that reflects both Indian culture and Swiss quality, with a clear vision for future expansion. With a strong focus on design, passenger experience, and connectivity, it is set to play a significant role in transforming the aviation landscape in North India. As the airport prepares for its opening in April 2025, it is poised to become a crucial gateway to India’s tourism and pilgrimage circuits while supporting the region’s growing aviation needs.
Refrence by NDTV
Author : ntndevelopers Home
