Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, officially commenced commercial operations on Monday with the landing of an IndiGo flight from Lucknow. Flight 6E-2278, originating from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, touched down at 7:55 am, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute as passengers applauded.
This significant milestone follows the airport's inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28. The launch held particular symbolic importance for the region, as a group of 170 farmers, including families who contributed land for the project, were scheduled to fly from Jewar to Lucknow alongside local MLA Dhirendra Singh.
Expanding services, Akasa Air is set to become the second airline to operate from Jewar Airport, starting daily flights to Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai from Tuesday. Beyond passenger services, the Noida International Airport Limited has also scheduled the airport's first domestic cargo flight to depart on Wednesday, further diversifying its operations.
Officials anticipate that this new air link will significantly enhance connectivity between Noida and Lucknow, offering a direct route that many travelers previously relied on Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport or road travel for. The airport, developed under a public-private partnership by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG), features a 3,900-meter runway designed for wide-body aircraft and advanced navigation systems.
Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh emphasized the project's success as a testament to the trust and cooperation of the local farming community. "The same hands that nurtured crops and fed the nation will now fasten their seat belts and become participants in India's new journey of progress and aspiration," Singh stated, expressing immense pride for Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar, and the entire nation.
With passenger and cargo services now underway and more routes planned, Noida International Airport is poised to play a crucial role in both commercial and regional development.