- Validation Flight Signals Operational Readiness of Asia’s Largest Airport
New Delhi. 13 December 2024. The first validation flight successfully landed at the Noida International Airport (NIA) today, marking a significant milestone in the airport’s progress toward operational readiness. The event, attended by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, Member of Parliament Dr. Mahesh Sharma, and Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh, showcased the culmination of rigorous efforts and precise planning. Operated by IndiGo, the flight was greeted with a ceremonial water cannon salute and applause, particularly from the dedicated site workers instrumental in the project’s development. This milestone highlights NIA’s role in transforming air travel and regional connectivity in India as it prepares for its grand opening in 2025.
Operated by IndiGo, the flight touched down in the afternoon, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute and a big round of applause, particularly from the site workers who have been integral to the project’s progress. Senior officials including Secretary Ministry of Civil Aviation, Vumlunmang Vualnam, Chairman Airport Authority of India Vipin Kumar, Addl. Chief Secretary Uttar Pradesh S P Goyal were also present on the occasion.
The validation flight confirmed the airport’s approach and departure procedures, ensuring the accuracy of navigational aids and air traffic control systems. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu commended the efforts of the entire team involved and remarked that Jewar Airport is set to transform air travel and regional connectivity in India. He emphasized that the airport, which will open in 2025 with one operational runway and a terminal capable of handling 12 million passengers annually, will serve as a world-class facility while reflecting the cultural heritage and identity of Uttar Pradesh through its design, craftsmanship, and passenger services.
Minister Ram Mohan Naidu thanked the farmers of Jewar for their support, which was crucial in making the airport a reality and enabling Uttar Pradesh to have its 17th operational airport.
During his visit, the Minister conducted a review meeting with the airport operator and directed them to adhere strictly to project deadlines to ensure the airport becomes operational by April 2025. He stressed the need for Jewar Airport to deliver services that set new benchmarks, with infrastructure that is truly world-class and incorporates elements of local culture and craftsmanship. He also reviewed the progress of connectivity plans, including road, rail, and metro links, and discussed future high-speed rail connectivity, which could integrate the airport with the broader regional and national transportation network. The Minister paid special attention to sustainability measures, such as the use of solar energy to power the airport, reiterating the government’s commitment to eco-friendly infrastructure development.
The Minister underlined the immense economic potential of the project, which is expected to create thousands of jobs, boost tourism, and drive regional development in Western Uttar Pradesh. He expressed his gratitude to the site workers, acknowledging their hard work and dedication in bringing to life what will be Asia’s largest airport. Ram Mohan Naidu also applauded the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under whose leadership India is experiencing unprecedented infrastructural development, and the stewardship of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, whose efforts have ensured the swift execution of this landmark project. The Minister extended his best wishes to the Noida International Airport team and thanked IndiGo for operating the validation flight that set the stage for NIA’s operational debut in 2025.
The successful landing of the validation flight at Noida International Airport marks a significant step toward the airport’s operational debut in 2025. With its advanced infrastructure, sustainable energy solutions, and emphasis on local cultural heritage, NIA promises to set new benchmarks in aviation services. The project is expected to bring immense economic benefits, including job creation, tourism growth, and regional development in Western Uttar Pradesh. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu’s visit reaffirmed the government’s commitment to delivering a world-class facility that reflects India’s infrastructural ambitions under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
