The Noida International Airport or the NIA in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, is preparing to commence commercial operations. However, it is facing notable delays. The officials have confirmed that domestic flights will begin in mid-May. The international operations, on the other hand, will begin in June. Here are all of the other important details that you would need to know about this delay in the commencement of operations of the new Noida airport.
Noida International Airport Launch Delayed Yet Again
According to an article that was recently published by Moneycontrol, the targeted launch windows are between May 15 to 31, 2025 for domestic flights. For International services, the launch window is June 15 to 25, 2025.
Arun Vir Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the Noida International Airport Limited or the NIAL, revealed that the state government has directed Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd or the YIAPL to expedite work. YIAPL is the airport’s concessionaire.
Originally scheduled to open by September 2024, the project’s timeline has been revised multiple times. The most recent deadline of April 17, 2025, is expected to be missed. Now, the aerodrome licence is anticipated in May.
₹10 Lakh Fine Per Day For The Delay Already Levied
The delays have not been without consequence; during a review meeting on 10 March, presided over by Chief Minister Yogi Aditynanath, a penalty of ₹10 lakh per day was imposed on YIAPL for failing to meet contractual obligations.
The airport, a flagship infrastructure project, is being developed by YIAPL, a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG. Under a 40-year concession agreement initiated in October 2021, the company is responsible for both development and operations.
NIAL has convened meetings with key stakeholders, including the Airports Authority of India and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, to discuss a comprehensive ‘catch-up’ plan. YIAPL is expected to submit detailed proposals by April, outlining strategies to minimise further delays and commence operations as soon as possible.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the project’s progress, leading to the construction contract being awarded to Tata Projects in June 2022.
Cover Image Credits: @lucknow_updates and @IndiaInfra_/X (Formerly, Twitter)
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