Noida International Airport: The much-awaited Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar is expected to commence operations in December 2025, following the crucial airside security clearance from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). This approval is a mandatory step before the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) can issue the aerodrome licence required for operations.
Noida International Airport Likely to Begin Operations in December After Security Clearance
The project, billed as a game-changer for North India’s aviation sector, has faced multiple delays, with the last official deadline set for April 2025. However, with the BCAS clearance in place, stakeholders believe that the airport could finally take off between late November and the first week of December.
Sources cited by The Times of India revealed that while an official inauguration date is yet to be announced, operations at newly inaugurated airports typically begin four to six weeks after the formal launch.
NIA spokesperson highlighted that the airport is being built to handle adverse weather
An NIA spokesperson highlighted that the airport is being built to handle adverse weather conditions from day one. “NIA is being developed with infrastructure and equipment supporting CAT-III capability in its first phase, enabling safe and reliable aircraft operations even under low-visibility conditions. The calibration process and regulatory approvals are currently in progress, after which CAT-III operations will be made available,” the spokesperson said.
CAT-III certification, granted by DGCA after extensive testing, allows aircraft to land in low-visibility conditions:
- CAT-IIIA: Runway visibility range between 300 to 175 metres.
- CAT-IIIB: Runway visibility range between 175 to 50 metres.
This capability will be critical as the airport prepares to open during North India’s fog season, ensuring minimal disruptions to flight schedules.
The airport, once operational, is set to ease congestion at Delhi’s IGI Airport, offer direct connectivity to key domestic and international destinations, and boost regional development in Noida, Greater Noida, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
Local residents and businesses have pinned high hopes on the project, expecting it to create jobs, improve connectivity, and attract investment to the region.
