Noida International Airport Phase I inaugurated by PM Modi in Jewar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, marking the operational launch of the project developed at an estimated cost of around Rs 11,200 crore under the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Modi arrived in Uttar Pradesh earlier in the day and, at around 11:30 AM, undertook a walkthrough of the terminal building at the airport in Gautam Buddha Nagar. At around 12 noon, he inaugurated the first phase and addressed a public gathering.

The prime minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel, and other dignitaries. Elaborate security arrangements were put in place for the visit.

During the event, a sacred artefact associated with Lord Buddha was presented to the prime minister. He also inspected the terminal.

The Noida International Airport is envisioned as a major international gateway for the National Capital Region and has been developed as the second international airport for Delhi-NCR, complementing Indira Gandhi International Airport. According to an official statement, the two airports will function as an integrated aviation system to ease congestion, expand passenger capacity and position Delhi-NCR among leading global aviation hubs.

VIDEO | Jewar: Residents of Jewar see the upcoming Noida International Airport, set to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister, as a transformative project, boosting employment, attracting investments, improving infrastructure, and turning the once underdeveloped region into a… pic.twitter.com/kVPwJdaFgA

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 27, 2026

Phase I of the airport has been developed with an initial passenger handling capacity of 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), scalable up to 70 million MPPA. The project includes a 3,900-metre runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft, along with modern navigation systems including Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting to enable round-the-clock, all-weather operations.

The airport also incorporates a multi-modal cargo hub with an integrated cargo terminal and logistics zones. The cargo facility has an initial handling capacity of over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually, expandable to around 18 lakh metric tonnes. A dedicated 40-acre Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility is also part of the project.

Strategically located along the Yamuna Expressway, the airport is planned as a multi-modal transport hub with connectivity through road, rail, metro and regional transit systems.

The project has been designed as a sustainable and future-ready infrastructure initiative, with plans to operate as a net-zero emissions facility through energy-efficient systems and environmentally responsible practices. Its architectural design incorporates elements inspired by Indian heritage, including features reminiscent of traditional ghats and havelis.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said the project would give new wings to the future of youngsters. “Today, we are starting a new chapter in the ‘Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat’ campaign. Uttar Pradesh has now become one of the states with the highest number of international airports in the country. I am especially happy that I had the privilege of laying the foundation stone of this airport and also inaugurating it, which I shared with all of you. The state that chose me as its representative will now be identified with this grand airport.”

During the inauguration, the prime minister turned to the crowd and asked if the inauguration had truly taken place. “No,” he said, adding that he wanted the people present to inaugurate the airport. He then asked the audience to take out their mobile phones, switch on the flashlights and wave them, saying the collective gesture would mark the inauguration.

Earlier, Adityanath described the airport as a “golden milestone” in the development of a ‘New Uttar Pradesh’ in ‘New India’. “This airport in Jewar is the runway for Uttar Pradesh’s development. From here, the dreams of the youth will take flight, possibilities will come to life, and the future will reach new heights. Special congratulations to our farmer brothers who have laid the foundation for this transformative project—your dedication has made this development possible,” he said.

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak termed the project a “magnificent gift” ahead of the inauguration. Speaking to ANI, he said, “Today, PM Modi is giving India a magnificent gift. This (Noida International Airport) will not only serve India but will also be the largest airport in Asia… I congratulate the entire state and PM Modi for this achievement. This is a major step toward fulfilling the oath of ‘Viksit Bharat’… With the inauguration of this airport, not only will passengers benefit, but the nation will see a significant economic boost…”

Filmmaker Boney Kapoor, who attended the event, said the upcoming international film city project along the Yamuna Expressway would generate employment. Kapoor, a partner in Bayview Projects, the firm tasked with developing the Noida International Film City near the airport, told PTI, “Achha lag raha hai yahan aakar (It feels good to be here). The film city will also begin soon, possibly before the elections. It will generate maximum employment.”