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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Noida International Airport in Jewar, marking a key moment for India’s aviation sector. The PM called the project a key milestone, saying the launch of the airport’s first phase marks “a major step in Uttar Pradesh’s growth story and India’s aviation future”.
The inauguration of Phase-I of Noida International Airport marks a major step in Uttar Pradesh’s growth story and India’s aviation future. https://t.co/8OLduHTZU8
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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2026
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The scale of the project is massive. According to the airport’s official handle, the site is about eight times the size of New York’s Central Park.
The new airport is being positioned as a major gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR), with officials saying it will expand capacity, ease congestion at Delhi airport, and boost both domestic and international connectivity.
Ahead of the launch, he reviewed preparations for Phase I of the project. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during the inspection. The first phase of the airport has been built at an estimated cost of around Rs 11,200 crore under the public-private partnership model.
Officials said the project is designed to work alongside Indira Gandhi International Airport, creating a dual-airport system for Delhi-NCR. The idea is to handle rising passenger traffic and position the region among major global aviation hubs.
What Yogi Adityanath said at the event
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the Prime Minister at the inauguration, calling the airport a major push for the state’s growth.
“…On behalf of the 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh, I heartily welcome and congratulate the Prime Minister at this grand and warm ceremony for taking Uttar Pradesh’s growth to new heights through the Noida International Airport,” he said.
He also referred to the global situation, saying many countries are facing uncertainty and rising fuel prices, while India has managed to maintain supply and control costs.
What makes Noida International Airport a major aviation project
The airport is located in Gautam Buddh Nagar district. It is one of India’s largest greenfield aviation projects. In its initial phase, it will handle about 12 million passengers annually, with plans to scale up to 70 million passengers over time.
The airport has a long runway, about 3,900 metres. The facility boasts contemporary landing systems and lighting, ensuring that flights can proceed without interruption, regardless of weather conditions.
A major cargo network is also part of the plan. The airport includes a multi-modal cargo hub and logistics zones, with an initial handling capacity of over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, which can be expanded significantly. A dedicated 40-acre maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility has also been built.
‘Magnificent gift’, ‘historic moment’: Leaders and industry react
UP CM Yogi Adityanath earlier today called the airport a turning point for the state, saying it would act as a “runway for Uttar Pradesh’s development” and open new opportunities for youth and businesses.
UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak described it as a “magnificent gift”, saying the airport would benefit passengers and give a strong push to the economy. He added that the project reflects the vision of a “Viksit Bharat”.
Industry voices also welcomed the launch. Subhash Goyal said the project was long overdue, noting that flight slots at Delhi airport are nearly full. He added that the new airport would improve access not just to Delhi but also to destinations like Agra and other parts of Uttar Pradesh.
At the same time, he pointed out a gap that still needs fixing, getting between the two airports quickly. He said a fast metro or an airport express line would make transfers much smoother for passengers.
Other stakeholders highlighted the economic upside. Industry representatives said the cargo facilities would support exports and logistics, while aviation firms confirmed that key infrastructure, including fuel systems, is already in place for operations.
Flights, connectivity and what lies ahead
For people living in western Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas, travel is about to get a lot easier. Once flights start, travellers won’t have to depend only on Delhi, and getting in and out of the region should become a lot simpler.
There’s also a clear attempt to build something that lasts. The airport is planned to run on cleaner systems and cut down emissions over time. At the same time, its look hasn’t ignored local roots as parts of the design take cues from ghats and old-style havelis, giving it a familiar feel despite being a modern setup.
More than just a new airport, Jewar is being talked about as a turning point — one that could quietly reshape travel, business, and opportunities across this part of the country.
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