Jewar International Airport to Begin Operations in April, Set to Become Asia’s Largest
New Delhi, February 3, 2025 – In a major boost to India’s aviation sector, Jewar International Airport in Uttar Pradesh is set to commence regular operations from April 2025, according to Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, the minister confirmed that the much-anticipated airport is on track to become Asia’s largest and will significantly enhance air connectivity and economic opportunities in the region.
Jewar Airport: A Game-Changer for Indian Aviation
📍 Location: Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh
📅 Operational Start Date: April 2025
✈ Projected Capacity: Over 12 million passengers annually (Phase 1)
The Noida International Airport (Jewar Airport) is designed to reduce congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) and provide seamless domestic and international connectivity. Strategically located about 80 km from Delhi, the airport is expected to become a key aviation hub in northern India.
Key Features of Jewar International Airport
🔹 Largest in Asia: Once fully completed, Jewar Airport will be Asia’s biggest aviation hub, spanning over 5,000 hectares.
🔹 Sustainable Infrastructure: The airport is being developed with green energy solutions and cutting-edge technology to support sustainable air travel.
🔹 Multi-Phase Expansion: The first phase, set to launch in April, includes two runways and capacity for 12 million passengers per year. Future phases will see expansion to six runways and over 100 million passengers annually.
🔹 Economic Growth Driver: The airport is expected to create over 100,000 jobs and drive investments in logistics, tourism, and real estate.
🔹 High-Speed Connectivity: The airport will be linked to Delhi via the Yamuna Expressway, bullet train corridor, and metro expansion.
Aviation Minister’s Announcement in Rajya Sabha
During the Rajya Sabha session, Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu emphasized the airport’s significance, stating:
🗣 “Jewar International Airport is a landmark project that will revolutionize India’s aviation industry. It will ease congestion at IGI Airport, provide better regional air connectivity, and boost economic development in Uttar Pradesh.”
The announcement marks a crucial milestone in India’s air travel infrastructure, with the airport expected to attract international carriers and promote global trade and tourism.
Impact on Air Travel and Economy
With India’s aviation sector experiencing rapid growth, Jewar Airport will play a pivotal role in meeting increasing passenger demand. The airport is set to:
✔ Strengthen regional connectivity by serving as a second hub for Delhi-NCR.
✔ Boost tourism and business in Uttar Pradesh and surrounding regions.
✔ Reduce load on IGI Airport, which currently handles 70 million passengers annually.
✔ Enhance cargo and logistics operations, benefiting industries across North India.
Jewar vs. Other Major Airports in India
Airport Location Runways (Planned) Passenger Capacity
Jewar International Airport Uttar Pradesh 6 100M+ (Future Phases)
Indira Gandhi International Airport Delhi 3 80M+
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport Mumbai 2 50M+
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru 2 40M+
Jewar Airport’s expansion plan outpaces existing airports, making it India’s future aviation hub.
Government’s Vision and Investments
The Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has played a key role in facilitating land acquisition and infrastructure development. The project is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with Zurich Airport International AG as the primary concessionaire.
📌 Investment Details:
The first phase is estimated at ₹30,000 crore.
Future phases will see investments exceeding ₹75,000 crore.
Foreign investors and major airlines are showing keen interest in setting up operations at Jewar Airport.
📌 UP CM Yogi Adityanath: “Jewar Airport will be a historic milestone in India’s aviation growth, generating employment, attracting investments, and making Uttar Pradesh a global air travel hub.”
Challenges and Future Prospects
While the project has seen smooth progress, challenges like land acquisition delays and environmental concerns initially slowed development. However, with construction nearing completion, the government remains confident about the April 2025 launch.
Future expansion will include:
✔ A dedicated cargo terminal to enhance trade.
✔ Aviation and MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) hubs.
✔ Direct international flight routes to Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
Conclusion: A New Era for Indian Aviation
As Jewar International Airport gears up for regular operations from April, it marks a major leap forward for India’s aviation industry. Positioned to be Asia’s largest airport, it will drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and strengthen India’s position as a global aviation hub.
With world-class infrastructure and strategic advantages, Jewar Airport is set to reshape air travel in India, benefiting millions of passengers and businesses alike.
