Noida International Airport CEO discusses the urgent need to expand airport infrastructure in Delhi-NCR
Expected to ease congestion at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, Noida International Airport in Jewar, India, is set to handle up to 12 million passengers annually
Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer at Noida International Airport
Having started construction in June 2022, Noida International Airport (NIA) is making steady progress toward operational readiness. Located in the Indian town of Jewar, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, NIA is on track to become a major center of aviation in the National Capital Region (NCR).
According to Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer at Noida International Airport, the next major milestone is the granting of its aerodrome license, which is expected to take place in May.
"The Airports Authority of India is advancing its work in the air traffic control tower, while construction of the passenger terminal and associated infrastructure is progressing well. The airport will begin operations with domestic flights, with international routes to follow in the subsequent months," says Schnellmann. "Discussions are ongoing with the state and central government regarding the start of commercial operations."
Noida International Airport is being built by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited – a fully-owned subsidiary of Zurich International Airport AG. At the time of opening, it will have one runway and a terminal building.
"Design elements will also include flights of steps at the terminal forecourt, like the famous ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar," says Schnellmann
Economic growth and increased connectivity
Expected to ease congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, NIA is set to handle up to 12 million passengers annually. Speaking about India's emergence as an aviation hub and how increased connectivity (both air and road) serves as a priority, Schnellmann explains, "The aviation sector in India is witnessing remarkable growth, highlighted by the substantial aircraft orders placed by major carriers like IndiGo and Air India. This surge in demand underscores the urgent need to expand airport infrastructure to accommodate increasing air traffic.
"In particular, the Delhi-NCR region requires additional capacity to handle the rising demand for air travel. Noida International Airport is poised to play a vital role in addressing these concerns. By developing world-class commercial real estate, NIA will not only support the expansion of the aviation sector but also contribute to the economic growth of the region."
According to Schnellmann, by prioritizing enhanced activity, NIA will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, a driver of tourism and a gateway to opportunity for the people of Uttar Pradesh and beyond. He adds, "We are committed to working with all stakeholders to realize this vision and make NIA a world-class airport that meets global standards in safety, efficiency and passenger service."
In March, the Yamuna Authority passed a proposal related to the connectivity of NIA. It was determined that 250 buses will run from the airport to 26 districts and several other states. Plus, a high-speed metro corridor between Jewar and the city of Ghaziabad is in the works.
Smooth transit throughout the airport will be supported by a state-of-the-art digital platform that ensures an elevated end-to-end digital experience. This platform will provide flight information, wayfinding, F&B opening times and more
Design and development
Drawn from Indian architecture, Noida International Airport’s design and development has been future-focused from the start. "The passenger terminal will feature intricate ornamental lattice screens," remarks Schnellmann. "Design elements will also include flights of steps at the terminal forecourt, like the famous ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar. Emulating the look and feel of a haveli, a courtyard will allow fresh air and sunlight into the terminal building. Inspired by important rivers of the region, a white, translucent, wavy roof will give the effect of a flowing water body."
Smooth transit throughout the airport will be supported by a state-of-the-art digital platform that ensures an elevated end-to-end digital experience. This platform will reach travelers via all available digital touchpoints and provide flight information, wayfinding, F&B opening times and more.
Considering the airport's ambitious net-zero emission philosophy, sustainability also played a significant role in the design of NIA. Sustainability and environmental impact were some of the criteria based on which planning and design teams, construction partners and concessionaires have been selected. "The airport planning, construction, operation and development has been undertaken while minimizing impact on the environment. We are implementing technologies and processes like zero-emission fuels and green (renewable) electricity, waste-water management and environmental management systems to realize this goal," he says.
Inspired by rivers of the region, NIA has a white, translucent, wavy roof that emulates a flowing body of water
Strong sense of place
On the dynamic mix of retail, dining and lounge options that will be available at NIA, the airport has partnered with Travel Food Services to offer diverse multi-cuisine dining options and a first-rate lounge including both premium and luxury zones. Specifically created for NIA, Schnellmann believes "Braj Ki Galiyan" will be a hit among visitors. "Featuring dishes inspired by Indian cities like Vrindavan and Mathura, ["Braj Ki Galiyan"] is aimed at providing a delightful and diverse culinary experience to vegetarians and those seeking plant-based options. These outlets will provide an aspirational yet affordable dining experience, offering a sense of novelty and freshness," he comments.
Additionally, HMSHost India will operate a variety of restaurants and cafés within the terminal, ensuring a strong sense of place and blend of local and global flavors. Promising a memorable shopping experience, the airport previously awarded the duty free concession to a consortium of Heinemann Asia Pacific and BWC Forwarders.
