Noida International Airport's (originally proposed in 2001 as agreenfield Taj International Aviation Hub by thenUttar Pradesh Chief MinisterRajnath Singh)[11][12] journey has been marked by shifts in location and political changes.[13][14] Initially planned near Greater Noida, the project faced delays due to its proximity to Delhi's IGI Airport and GMR Group's right of first refusal. The project was briefly considered for Agra under a different state government,[15][16][17][18] but was eventually revived and moved back to Jewar in 2014.[19][11][20][21][22]
The Union Government approved the airport in June 2015 andMinistry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) gave an in-principle approval to the Uttar Pradesh government to build the airport in May 2018.[22] After further planning, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi laid the foundation stone of phase-1 of Noida International Airport on 25 November 2021.[24] Noida International Airport phase-1 is being developed by Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) through apublic-private partnership (PPP model).[25] In 2019,Flughafen Zürich AG, the operator ofZurich Airport inSwitzerland, won the bid to build and operate it for 40 years.[26]Tata Projects Limited was awarded the civil construction tender in June 2022, aiming for net-zero emissions.[27][28] In 2023,IATA assigned the airport'scode as 'DXN'.[29] Originally slated for opening in 2022,[22] delays have repeatedly pushed back the commercial operation date.[25][30][31]
Subsequence phases will see further development including additional terminals and runways with the target passenger capacity of 60-120 million by 2050.[6]
As of 2025, the airport is expected to open with only road links and bus services operational. An integrated multi-model transport hub comprising rail, bus and ride hailing ranks is planned.[32]
GTC (Ground Transportation Centre) is a 20-acre facility situated a short walk from the T1 terminal and the upcoming T2. In Phase-1, it will cater for taxis and buses only.[32] Noida Airport has partnered with thepublic sector transport entities of neighbouring states (such asUPSRTC of Uttar Pradesh,Haryana Roadways of Haryana state, andUTC of Uttarakhand state), andride-hailing companies (such as theUber,Mahindra Mobility,Rapido, etc) for the last-mile long-distance and local buses (10-20 km/h) bus and taxi connectivity with designated parking place for these services.[33][34]
GTC will be completed in 3 phase over 5 years between 2025-30, with buses and cars at ground level, future metro andNamo Bharat train stations at underground level, and level-2 concourse will have retail outlets, restaurants and lounges. Once completed it will simultaneously cater for 50,000 vehicles, including 40 buses, 4,500 car and two-wheelers buses.[32]
Noida Airport has partnered with theUttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC),Haryana state'sHaryana Roadways, and others for direct buses from the airport to the following major feeder cities in the catchment area of the airport to make it easier for travellers to reach the airport by bus:[33][34]
Jewar-Faridabad Expressway (under-construction):NHAI is constructing 31 km link, connecting Noida Airport withFaridabad bypass on Delhi–Mumbai Expressway,[40][42] which will also connect the airport to the following:[43][44]
Ghaziabad East-Greater Noida-Jewar Airport East Road: New 130-metre-wide road was approved in October 2025 to be built at the cost of ₹1,700 crore, it will run from Greater Noida (near Char Murti) to the east side of Noida airport via Sirsa, Aleda, and Thora villages.[47]
Ghaziabad-Jewar RRTS (under-planning): 71.1 km long rapid rail with 11 stations costing ₹16,000 cr, will be completed in 2 phases by 2031.[50]
Palwal-Noida International Airport-Khurja Railway (PNAKR line, under-construction): A 61 km railway line will connect Noida Airport to Palwal (28 km west on theNew Delhi-Mumbai main line) and Khurja (33 km east on the Amritsar-KolkataHowrah–Delhi main line), featuring a new railway station at the airport.[51] It will connect to theHORC and EORC NCR Orbital rail line.
Noida International Airport-Chola Railway (under-construction): A 20 km branch of the PNAKR line will link a multi-logistics hub at Noida Airport to the existing Chola railway station, located to the west on the Howrah–Delhi main line.[51]
Reaching the upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar presents a challenge due to its distance from major locations like Delhi and Noida. Current public transport options are limited, but plans are in place[weasel words] to introduce city bus and electric taxi services. Longer-term solutions, such as a rapid rail corridor planned for 2030, are far away. Experts emphasise the importance of comprehensive public transport for the airport's commercial success and financial viability, drawing comparisons with the well-connected IGI andBengaluru airports.[54]
Despite environmental ministry conditions for Noida airport's approval requiring the protection ofDhanauri Wetlands, the Uttar Pradesh government has reportedly ignored these conditions. The wetland has not been designated as aRamsar Site, its land has been allocated for construction by YEIDA, leading to a reduction in its area, and it remains under threat.[55]Vigirously development of new Residential and commercial properties in the region is becoming a threat to the area's Natural habitat and environment. Many new projects likeSupertech UP Country in Sector 17A,Oasis Realtech's Grandstand in Sector 22D, are under investigation here under CBI regarding land allotments, lease terms, etc as per TOI.[56]
The previous owners of the land on which the airport stands were offered money or a government job in exchange for their land. However, many claim that even years later they have not received any compensation. In addition, the conditions in the villages to which the people were resettled are being criticised. Running water and toilets were promised for the new settlements, but neither has been provided.[57]
2025 October: Inauguration scheduled for 30 October 2025, scheduled commercial flight operations are expected to begin within 45 days of the inauguration, i.e. by 14 December 2025.[59]
