Noida International Airport in Jewar is set to miss the April deadline for commencement of scheduled passenger operations due to a delay in construction of the terminal.
While the cargo terminal is expected to be complete by April-end, construction of the passenger terminal has run behind schedule.
The airport has sounded off airlines about the delay and is also looking to start cargo operations initially, it is learnt.
“Noida International Airport is steadily advancing toward operational readiness. The Airport Authority of India is advancing its work in the air traffic control tower, and construction of the passenger terminal and associated infrastructure is progressing steadily. We’ve submitted our application for the aerodrome license as well as the draft aeronautical information publication (AIP) for publication in January and are working through the necessary steps with the aviation and security regulators,” a NIA spokesperson said.
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“Our commitment remains steadfast: to deliver a safe, world-class airport that meets the expectations of passengers, airlines, and all stakeholders,” he added.
The airport did not indicate a tentative date for launch of passenger operations. According to sources it may get pushed to July-August or even further.
As per initial plans the airport was to start commercial operations from April. 17 According to a media report, the new date for inauguration and launch would be finalised at a meeting chaired by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on March 10.
NIA is being developed by Zurich Airport in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh government. In the first phase the airport will have a single runway and handle 12 million passengers annually.
Originally the airport was supposed to open last December but the deadline was pushed to April 2025 due to delay in deliveries of construction material.