By Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the much-awaited Noida International Airport, marking a major infrastructure milestone for the National Capital Region. The project, seen as a game-changer for western Uttar Pradesh and nearby regions, was formally opened in a grand ceremony in Jewar, though commercial flight operations are still pending and expected to begin in the coming months.
Calling the airport a symbol of a “new and developed Uttar Pradesh,” Modi said the project reflects India’s growing ambition to strengthen connectivity and build world-class infrastructure. Addressing a large gathering, he described the inauguration as the beginning of a new chapter for both the state and the country, highlighting how modern airports are becoming engines of economic growth and employment.
The airport, built at an estimated cost of ₹11,200 crore, is the second major aviation hub in the NCR after Indira Gandhi International Airport. While the foundation stone was laid in November 2021 and the concession agreement was signed with Zurich Airport International AG in 2020, the project has progressed rapidly over the past four years. In its first phase, the airport will handle around 12 million passengers annually with a single runway, with long-term plans to expand capacity to 70 million passengers and multiple runways.
Modi emphasised that the airport would open up new economic opportunities for farmers, small businesses, and young professionals across western Uttar Pradesh. He noted that districts such as Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut, Bulandshahr, and Faridabad would benefit from improved connectivity, making it easier for goods and people to move quickly to national and international markets. According to him, better air connectivity would help local industries grow and attract new investments in the region.
The Prime Minister also touched upon the broader global situation, particularly tensions in West Asia that have affected supply chains and energy markets. He assured citizens that the government is closely monitoring the situation and taking steps to ensure that disruptions in fuel, fertilisers, and essential supplies do not impact ordinary families or farmers. He urged people to remain calm and patient, describing resilience as one of India’s greatest strengths during global uncertainties.
Highlighting the aviation sector’s potential, Modi said the airport would create employment opportunities in areas such as pilot training, cabin crew services, and aircraft maintenance. A Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility planned at the airport is expected to reduce India’s dependence on foreign maintenance services and generate skilled jobs for the youth.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the airport would also strengthen the state’s logistics capabilities by supporting a dedicated multimodal cargo hub. He added that the project would help Uttar Pradesh overcome its landlocked limitations and connect more efficiently with global trade networks, boosting exports and industrial growth in the coming years.
While the inauguration has set the stage for a major aviation transformation in the NCR, the start of flight operations remains the next crucial step, with authorities expected to announce the operational timeline soon.
