Noida: The highly anticipated Noida International Airport (DXN) in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is on course to become operational by November 2025, marking a significant milestone in India’s aviation and infrastructure narrative.
Designed as a multi-phase mega project, the airport aims to redefine air connectivity in northern India and spur economic development across the region. Despite several timeline revisions, the airport is now more than 80% complete and poised to become Asia’s largest international airport in terms of area and passenger handling capacity.
Following a high-level inspection by Uttar Pradesh Industrial Development Minister Nand Gopal Gupta, the state government reaffirmed its commitment to the November launch. The development is being carried out in phases to accommodate India’s rapidly growing aviation demand, with the first phase integrating modern terminal infrastructure and dedicated cargo facilities.
Initially slated for a September 2024 launch, the airport’s completion was delayed due to terminal construction challenges and regulatory clearance bottlenecks. Revised timelines in April and June 2025 pushed the expected start date for domestic and cargo operations to September 15, 2025, with international operations to follow in November 2025.
Currently, construction of the terminal and allied infrastructure is in full swing, with runway and airside work already 90% complete. Minister Gupta emphasized that the current administration has navigated past political and procedural delays to fast-track the project, showcasing a renewed focus on infrastructure-led economic expansion in India’s most populous state.
Two phases
According to Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), operations will begin in two phases. The first phase includes domestic and cargo services beginning mid-September, while international operations are expected by November. Regulatory clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) are still pending, including an aerodrome license and security approvals required for commercial operations. A joint inspection by DGCA, BCAS, and Airports Authority of India (AAI) was scheduled for May 2025 to assess the airport’s readiness.
Located 75 km from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Noida International Airport is positioned strategically to serve cities such as Noida (52 km), Agra (130 km), and Dadri (90 km). With over 80 million people in its catchment area, the airport is projected to handle 12 million passengers annually in its first phase, expanding to 70 million passengers by 2040-2050.
Upon completion, the airport will rank as the fourth-largest globally in terms of area and passenger capacity, relieving congestion at Delhi’s IGI Airport and enhancing regional and international connectivity.
The airport is designed to deliver a seamless passenger experience, integrating a Ground Transportation Center that will link metro rail, buses, taxis, and private vehicles. A proposed high-speed rail link between Delhi and Varanasi will cut travel time between Delhi and the airport to just 21 minutes, revolutionizing regional connectivity.
Additionally, a multimodal cargo hub in partnership with Air India SATS will initially handle over 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually, positioning Noida as a crucial logistics node. This hub is expected to catalyze industrial activity and trade across western Uttar Pradesh.
Sustainability has also been a key pillar. Over 580 mature trees have been relocated, and an eight-acre green buffer zone has been developed. The terminal’s architecture reflects North Indian cultural motifs, and energy efficiency has been prioritized through design elements that maximize natural light and reduce carbon footprint.
With an estimated investment of INR 34,000 crore (approx. $4.1 billion USD), Noida International Airport is one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Phase 1 alone carries a budget of INR 10,056 crore. The airport is being developed by Zurich Airport International AG under a 40-year concession agreement, ensuring sustained operational excellence and scalability.
This airport is envisioned not only as a transport hub but also as a catalyst for regional transformation, unlocking employment, tourism, and industrial growth. An estimated 132,000 jobs will be generated through the airport and its surrounding ecosystem, including film cities, fintech hubs, and MSME clusters.
By relieving pressure on Delhi IGI and enhancing regional accessibility, the airport is poised to become a gateway to North India and beyond, connecting global travelers to one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
As it nears completion, Noida International Airport represents a new era for Indian aviation, strategically located, economically vital, and globally relevant.