Noida International Airport (NIA) is set to commence commercial operations on June 15, and a recent survey indicates a notable surge in traveler interest from the Delhi-NCR region. According to findings by Local Circles, 8% of air travelers have already booked at least one flight to or from the new airport within the next three months, while an additional 15% are actively considering it.
This marks a significant shift from May 2026, when only 5% of surveyed individuals expressed any willingness to consider flying from Noida. The growing appeal is largely attributed to competitive airfares that are now often comparable to, or even lower than, those from Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), alongside a newly established electric bus network.
Competitive Fares Attract New Travelers
Affordability was a major concern in earlier surveys, with Noida fares averaging 25% higher than Delhi for identical routes. However, airlines have since adjusted their pricing strategies. IndiGo, set to be NIA's launch carrier, has reduced its Lucknow fare, for instance, from approximately ₹4,981 to ₹3,394. Similarly, Akasa Air has cut Bengaluru fares by around ₹2,000 and announced reductions on Navi Mumbai routes.
This pricing advantage is partly supported by Uttar Pradesh's significantly lower 1% Value Added Tax (VAT) on aviation turbine fuel (ATF), compared to Delhi's 25%. This reduction in operating costs allows airlines to offer more competitive ticket prices, making routes like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Jammu, and Amritsar particularly attractive from Noida.
Enhanced Connectivity Boosts Airport Accessibility
Beyond pricing, improved connectivity has also played a crucial role. The Noida Authority and the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) have introduced a dedicated electric bus network to link various parts of the city with the airport. The initial phase includes 30 double-decker electric buses operating across five routes, with 10 specifically allocated for the city-to-airport corridor.
The primary route will connect the Sector-90 depot with Noida International Airport, passing through Botanical Garden and the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. Other routes will serve areas like Pari Chowk, Greater Noida West, and Sectors 62, 98, and 96. Bus fares are designed to be affordable, ranging from ₹10 to ₹50, with the full Botanical Garden to Jewar Airport journey costing ₹50.
Shifting Preferences, Delhi Still Preferred by Many
Despite the notable increase in interest for Noida Airport, Delhi's IGIA remains the preferred choice for a majority of travelers. The survey indicates that 77% of respondents are still likely to use Delhi airport, citing its established infrastructure, proximity, and extensive metro and rapid rail connectivity.
The findings underscore that competitive pricing has been a stronger driver in changing traveler sentiment than infrastructure improvements alone. For Noida Airport to sustain this momentum, continued fare parity, increased airline competition, higher flight frequencies, and further enhancements in ground access will be crucial. Future projects, such as the proposed 72-km Ghaziabad-Noida-Jewar Regional Rapid Transit System (Namo Bharat) corridor and extended metro lines, are expected to further solidify NIA's position as a viable alternative.