Noida International Airport Passenger Capacity
The upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) is anticipated to accommodate approximately six million passengers during its inaugural year of commercial operations, as stated by industry sources. This new greenfield airport near Delhi (DEL) plans to commence domestic and cargo flights by the fourth quarter of 2025. IndiGo (6E), a major airline, is expected to be the first to initiate services from this airport. Regulatory authorities, along with NIA management, are in the process of securing operational approvals, including tariffs, safety checks, and readiness tests.
Construction and Operational Readiness
Progress at Noida International Airport has entered a critical phase, with most aeronautical infrastructure nearing completion. Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of NIA, highlighted that the roofing of the passenger terminal building is complete, and interior finishing along with the installation of technical systems is ongoing. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is currently commissioning equipment for the air traffic control tower. A rigorous Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) program, encompassing trial runs, simulations, and system tests for baggage handling, security checkpoints, check-in counters, and boarding gates, is actively underway.
The terminal trials, which began earlier this year, aim to optimize real-time passenger flow and facilitate integration of systems, in collaboration with airline and ground handling partners. Meanwhile, cargo infrastructure development is advancing, with the cargo terminal nearing completion. ORAT activities for cargo operations are set to start soon, alongside the commissioning of the fuel farm and hydrant system. These measures will precede the issuance of an aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
User Charges and Tariff Structure
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has issued an interim tariff order for NIA. Key passenger charges include a User Development Fee (UDF) of ₹490 for departing domestic passengers and ₹980 for international departures. Arriving passengers will incur charges of ₹210 for domestic and ₹420 for international arrivals. These rates will remain effective until March 31, 2026, pending a final decision by the regulator. These fees aim to support the airport’s initial operations and infrastructure costs.
Future Capacity and Expansion
In its initial phase, Noida International Airport will feature one runway and one terminal, with a capacity for 12 million passengers annually. Although operations are expected to start with around six million travelers, extensive plans for expansion are in place. By the end of the fourth phase, NIA could manage up to 70 million passengers each year, easing congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) and bolstering the National Capital Region’s status as a global aviation hub.
Construction Challenges and Delays
The project has been delayed from its initial timeline, originally set for the end of 2024 and then revised to April 2025, due to supply chain issues, specifically in sourcing structural steel and roofing materials. The revised launch is now slated for the last quarter of 2025. Nonetheless, recent progress has been marked by accelerated trial runs and final stages of equipment installation.
Airline Partnerships and Market Impact
India’s largest airline, IndiGo (6E), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with NIA to be the first airline operating from the airport. While several international airlines have shown interest in launching services at NIA, final agreements are yet to be settled. The opening of Noida International Airport is poised to diversify airline options in northern India, offering a competitive alternative for both domestic and international travelers.
