As the much-anticipated Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar moves closer to its scheduled January 2026 inauguration, a major concern has emerged around telecom connectivity, raising questions just weeks ahead of the airport’s launch.
The issue stems from an ongoing dispute between Noida International Airport authorities and telecom service providers over network deployment and usage fees. While airport operations are progressing on schedule, uncertainty over mobile and data services could impact passenger experience if the matter is not resolved in time.
Noida International Airport: Fee Dispute Between NIA and Telecom Operators
According to industry sources, NIA has deployed its own telecom infrastructure through a third-party vendor and has asked telecom operators to pay fees to use this network. However, telecom companies have opposed the move, stating that only licensed telecom operators have the legal right to deploy networks, and that no separate Right of Way (RoW) fee is payable.
Telecom operators have termed the charges demanded by NIA as arbitrary and exorbitant, and discussions are currently underway to find a mutually acceptable solution.
Similar Pattern Seen at Navi Mumbai Airport
The dispute mirrors a similar situation at the Adani-backed Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), where operators were reportedly asked to pay ₹92 lakh per month per operator, amounting to nearly ₹44.16 crore annually for four operators. Industry experts fear that such high costs could set an unsustainable precedent for telecom deployment at large infrastructure projects.
Tech Mahindra to Manage Network and Cybersecurity
Despite the telecom standoff, NIA has taken steps to strengthen its digital backbone. In December 2025, the airport partnered with Tech Mahindra to set up and operate an integrated Network Operations Centre and Security Operations Centre (NOC-SOC).
Under the agreement, Tech Mahindra will provide 24×7 monitoring and management of the airport’s critical IT infrastructure, including applications, databases, servers, networks, storage systems and digital platforms. The integrated NOC-SOC will enable proactive detection, analysis and response to network and cybersecurity threats, ensuring operational resilience.
CM Yogi Adityanath Confirms January 2026 Inauguration
In December 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath informed the state Assembly that the Jewar airport will be inaugurated in January 2026. The airport is being developed and operated by a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, marking one of India’s most significant public-private aviation projects.
Passenger Experience at Stake
While construction and operational readiness remain on track, experts warn that reliable telecom connectivity is critical for airport operations, passenger communication, security systems and digital services. Any prolonged delay in resolving the dispute could affect the overall launch experience.
As negotiations continue, all eyes are on whether NIA and telecom operators can reach an agreement that ensures seamless connectivity when the airport opens its doors to the public.
