Copyright thehindubusinessline
The Noida International Airport (NIA) is expected to receive its regulatory aerodrome license by early November, contingent on the facility clearing navigation equipment calibration testing. Accordingly, the Airports Authority of India’s (AAI) is expected to conduct calibration testing flights within the next few days. “Everything is contingent on the NIA clearing all its calibration tests,” senior industry representatives told businessline. “If the NIA clears calibration testing, then the regulator will be in a position to grant the license by November 5 to 7.” Prior to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granting its clearance, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is required to carry out inspections for anti-sabotage checks and to verify the required apparatus for anti-hijacking and bomb squad operations. Businessline was the first to report that NIA, with a December opening in sight, has commenced advanced terminal trials along with testing of technical equipment as part of its final preparations. At that time, Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer of Noida International Airport told businessline, “We have commenced advanced terminal trials and testing of technical equipment.” “With Phase 1 nearing completion, we are on track and eagerly looking forward to commencing commercial operations this year, bringing a world-class aviation experience to the region.” Recently, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu told businessline in an exclusive interview that, as per the current schedule, the airport’s construction phase should conclude by the end of this month. “Contingent on the project meeting its revised timelines, we expect the airport to be operational by year-end,” Naidu stated. Meanwhile, a comprehensive Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) programme has been completed. This initiative aimed to ensure that all airport systems, processes and personnel are fully prepared for day-one operations. This critical phase involved trial runs, simulations and familiarisation programmes for airlines, ground handlers and other essential stakeholders. Notably, tests were conducted on various systems, including baggage handling, security screening, check-in counters and boarding gates. At present, the airport has conducted terminal trials—part of the ORAT process—which mark the final preparatory stage before operations go live. These trials focused on evaluating passenger flows, systems integration, and coordination among airport service providers. In addition, the cargo terminal is nearly complete, and its ORAT programme has started. During the first phase, the airport will operate a single runway and terminal, designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. The airport is expected to handle six million passengers in its maiden year of operations. Furthermore, upon completion of the fourth and final phase, the airport will have the capacity to serve up to 70 million passengers each year. However, the project had earlier missed two major deadlines—originally planned for completion by the end of 2024 and later revised to April 2025—due to supply chain constraints, particularly in sourcing structural steel and roofing materials. Nonetheless, with Phase 1 infrastructure now scheduled for completion by October 31, the December opening timeline appears to be within reach. In terms of airline connectivity, IndiGo is expected to be the first passenger airline to begin operations from the new airport, having signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Noida International Airport. Additionally, several international carriers have expressed interest in launching services once the airport becomes fully operational. Published on October 29, 2025
