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DGCA grants Jewar airport provisional aerodrome licence

Airport likely to see domestic flight ops in 45 days; nod awaited from PM for inauguration announcement: Officer

Commercial flight, Commercial flight trials, Commercial flight trials at Noida airport, Noida airport, Noida International Airport, delhi news, India news, Indian express, current affairsThe DGCA has granted the aerodrome licence to Noida International Airport (Jewar). This follow’s yesterday’s BCAS security approval, clearing the path for commercial flights to begin within the next 45 days.

A day after the Noida International Airport (NIA) in Uttar Pradesh’s Jewar received security approval from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted it provisional aerodrome licence on Friday, said officials.

According to officials, the licence is valid for six months, until September 5, subject to further approval by the DGCA. “This (grant of licence) means that flights can now land and take off from the Noida International Airport,” confirmed Chief Executive Officer, NIAL (Noida International Airport Limited), Rakesh Singh.

Singh added: “Generally it takes a minimum of four to six weeks for the operations to begin once the aerodrome licence is granted … we will check with airlines which are interested to operate, and then come up with a list of cities connecting Jewar and the rest,” he said.

NIAL Nodal Officer Shailendra Bhatia said that the licence was granted after all the equipment installed at the airport and ATC tower, surveillance, security and safety apparatus were found to be in place. “We can expect to operate domestic flights within 45 days from now. Cargo flight operations will also begin at the same time, but we will have to wait a little longer for international flights. We are now awaiting a date from the Prime Minister for the announcement of the inauguration,” he said.

“After completing six months of operation, we will get a permanent licence,” Bhatia also explained.

Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu, meanwhile, said: “The world-class airport will boost regional economic growth, tourism, and investment while offering a seamless passenger experience by combining Swiss efficiency with Indian hospitality and will also help ease congestion at existing airports in the region.”

“Receiving the aerodrome licence is a key milestone in our journey. It reflects the strong collaboration with our partners and the rigorous work undertaken to ensure readiness for commercial operations. We are committed to delivering a modern, efficient and passenger-centric airport that will serve as a catalyst for regional economic growth,” Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Noida International Airport (NIA), said in a statement.

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The NIA has been developed by the YIAPL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model with the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre.

NIA has been developed in four phases, along with a multi-modal cargo hub. In the first phase, with one runway and one terminal, the airport will have the capacity to handle around 12 million passengers annually. “Upon completion of all phases, the airport will be capable of handling up to 70 million passengers per year, emerging as a major aviation hub for the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh,” said officials.

Neetika Jha is a Correspondent with The Indian Express, based in the Noida bureau. She primarily covers crime, health, and environmental issues, as well as human-interest features across Noida, Ghaziabad, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Professional Profile Education: She is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai. Core Beat: Her work focuses on the administrative and social challenges of the NCR's satellite cities. She is known for her detailed reporting on civic infrastructure (like the Noida International Airport), environmental violations, and high-profile criminal investigations. Personal Interests: Outside of reporting, she is an avid reader of fiction (citing The Thursday Murder Club and Yellowface as recent favorites) and a gardening enthusiast. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Neetika’s recent reportage has been dominated by winter-related crises in the NCR and significant criminal legalities: 1. Environment & Public Safety "Greater Noida Authority slaps fines on firms for violating GRAP IV norms" (Dec 21, 2025): Reporting on heavy penalties imposed on major developers like NBCC for flouting anti-pollution construction bans. "Fatal pile-up on Yamuna Expressway: Fog, high speed emerge as key safety risks" (Dec 17, 2025): A major report on a 15-vehicle collision caused by dense fog that killed 17 people. "At Chilla, Kalindi, DND, many fined Rs 20,000 for non-compliance to Delhi's BS-VI rule" (Dec 19, 2025): On-the-ground reporting from the borders where Noida police penalize non-compliant vehicles entering the capital. "Driving in Noida amid fog? New speed limits in effect till Feb 15" (Dec 13, 2025): Detailing the seasonal traffic restrictions aimed at preventing highway accidents. 2. Crime & Legal Developments "'Have you ever heard of a murder case being withdrawn?': Court in Akhlaq lynching case" (Dec 12, 2025): Covering a critical courtroom hearing where the court questioned the UP government's petition to withdraw charges against the accused. "After losing money in stock market, bank employee in Ghaziabad withdraws Rs 64 lakh from customers' accounts" (Dec 14, 2025): An investigative piece on internal bank fraud and the risks of modern digital embezzlement. "Woman shot dead by partner in Noida: Three days on, accused still on the run" (Dec 2, 2025): Tracking a high-profile domestic violence and murder case in Central Noida. 3. Human Interest & Features "'Had tears in my eyes': Army men walk bride down the aisle 20 years after father died in terror attack" (Dec 2, 2025): A moving story about soldiers from a Punjab Grenadiers unit fulfilling a father's duty for his daughter. "How a Zepto delivery man heard a cry — and saved two kids dumped in Noida drain" (Dec 2025): A viral human-interest story highlighting individual heroism in the city. Signature Style Neetika is recognized for her meticulous follow-up on local tragedies. Whether it is a massive pile-up on the Yamuna Expressway or the ongoing construction of the Jewar (Noida) Airport, she focuses on systemic lapses and the safety of commuters. Her crime reporting often explores the psychological motives behind "crimes of passion" and the rising trend of financial cyber-fraud in the Ghaziabad-Noida belt. ... Read More

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