When Will Noida International Airport Open? Key Details on Flights and Launch Date

January 11, 2026 at 01:36 AM•3 min read

Noida International Airport is set for a January 2026 launch with initial domestic flights by IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa, transforming Delhi-NCR travel.

Key Points

1NIA is set for a January 2026 launch, confirmed by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, following a delay from the original September 2024 target.
2Initial operations will focus on domestic flights with launch carriers IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa, with international routes starting in the first half of 2026.
3Phase 1 capacity is 12 million passengers annually (1.2 crore), and the airport is projected to become India's largest once fully developed, handling up to 70 million passengers.
4The greenfield project is a major infrastructure push for Western Uttar Pradesh, designed with a focus on modern architecture and eco-friendly innovations.

The Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar is preparing for its grand opening. This greenfield airport project is one of India's largest new infrastructure developments. It is set to transform Delhi-NCR travel and air connectivity. The airport is being developed by a subsidiary of Switzerland-based Zurich Airport International AG. NIA aims to become a major aviation hub in northern India.

Launch Timeline and Phased Operations

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed the Jewar airport launch timeline. The airport is scheduled to commence operations in January 2026. This date follows a delay from the original September 2024 target. Authorities are now focused on final checks and regulatory approvals.

Initial operations will focus on a limited daytime schedule. This phased approach is standard for new airports. It allows teams to test all systems and manage daily operations smoothly. Domestic flight operations will begin first. International flights are planned to start in the first half of 2026.

Launch Carriers and Capacity

The airport will initially serve domestic airlines. Launch carriers include IndiGo, Air India Express, and Akasa. This focus on IndiGo Air India Express Akasa allows staff to gain familiarity. Flight numbers will increase gradually over the first month. Daily operations are expected to reach up to 300 flights within six months.

Phase 1 of the terminal is designed for 12 million passengers annually (1.2 crore). The airport is projected to handle around 60 lakh travelers in its first year. Once fully developed by 2050, the airport could handle up to 70 million passengers. This scale will make it India's largest airport in terms of area and capacity.

Safety and Economic Impact

Safety at NIA is closely monitored by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) check every process. This ensures flights can arrive and depart without delays. Technical installations and systems are tested repeatedly before launch.

The new airport’s location is key for Western Uttar Pradesh economic growth. It is situated near the Yamuna Expressway. This position will ease pressure on existing airports in the National Capital Region. The project is expected to create jobs and support local businesses. It will also boost logistics, tourism, and industrial investment. The airport is built under a public-private partnership model. This model aims for efficient operations and long-term scalability. For more information on commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. The development of such large infrastructure projects, like the NIA, showcases the rapid expansion of India's aviation sector. This growth requires continued investment in both airports and aircraft from manufacturers like Airbus.