Destination Jewar: UP’s Newest Aviation Hub Gets the Green Light

Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh has been granted an aerodrome licence and is expected to commence operations soon, Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha. Once operational, the airport is set to emerge as a major aviation hub for the region.

Responding to supplementary questions during Question Hour, the minister noted that the typical time between the grant of an aerodrome licence and the start of operations ranges from 45 days to two months. He added that the government is currently engaging with airlines to plan flight schedules and is also preparing for a formal inauguration event to promote the new airport.

Naidu highlighted the rapid expansion of India’s airport infrastructure over the past 12 years, with the number of operational airports increasing from 74 in 2014 to 166 today. He said the government aims to expand aviation access to even the most remote regions, guided by the vision of the UDAN scheme, launched in 2016 by Narendra Modi.

The minister also provided updates on airport development in Telangana, including the historic Mamnoor Airport in Warangal, which is being expanded to handle wide-body aircraft following the acquisition of an additional 250 acres of land. In addition, the government is exploring the development of greenfield airports at Kothagudem and Adilabad to further strengthen regional connectivity.

Under the modified UDAN scheme, the government plans to connect 120 new destinations and serve around 4 crore passengers over the next decade. Of the 24 greenfield airports approved under the Greenfield Airports Policy (2008), 13 have already become operational, including those at **Durgapur, Shirdi, Kannur, Pakyong, Kalaburagi, Orvakal, Sindhudurg, Kushinagar, Itanagar, Mopa, Shivamogga, Hirasar (Rajkot), and Navi Mumbai.

India is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market, and the minister emphasised that the government’s initiatives aim to create a strong ecosystem for airlines, airports, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, and flying training organisations, ensuring sustainable growth of the aviation sector.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.