DELHI- The Government of India confirmed that Noida International Airport in Jewar has received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Flight operations are expected to begin within 45 days to two months after the licence approval.
The airport will soon begin coordination with airlines to finalise flight schedules and operational readiness. Authorities also plan a large inauguration event to formally launch the airport.
Jewar Airport Moves Closer to Inauguration
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha that the DGCA granted the aerodrome licence for Noida International Airport (DXN) after consultations with several aviation authorities, including the Airports Authority of India.
The approval marks the final regulatory step before the airport begins operations. According to the ministry, airports typically require 45 days to two months after licensing to complete operational preparations.
During this period, the airport operator will coordinate with airlines to finalise schedules, ground operations, and passenger services. Airlines will also align aircraft deployment, slot allocation, and ticketing systems before launching services.
The government indicated that a formal inauguration ceremony will be organised to mark the opening of the new airport. The event is expected to promote the airport as a major aviation hub for northern India.
Rapid Expansion of India’s Airport Network
The minister highlighted that India’s aviation infrastructure has expanded significantly over the past decade.
In 2014, India had 74 airports. Today, the country has 166 airports, reflecting one of the fastest airport expansion rates in the world.
This growth forms part of the government’s strategy to improve air connectivity across the country, especially in smaller cities and remote regions.
India is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, with passenger traffic expected to continue growing rapidly.
UDAN Scheme Driving Regional Air Connectivity
The government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN) has played a central role in expanding aviation access.
Launched in October 2016, the programme aims to make air travel affordable and improve connectivity to underserved cities.
Key achievements under the scheme include:
- 663 routes operationalised
- 95 unserved or underserved airports connected
- Expanded air travel access for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities
The government recently announced a modified UDAN programme, which aims to connect 120 additional destinations and serve four crore passengers over the next decade.
New Airport Projects Across the Country
Under the Greenfield Airports Policy of 2008, the government has granted approval for 24 new greenfield airports across India.
So far, 13 of these airports have already started operations, including:
- Durgapur
- Shirdi
- Kannur
- Pakyong
- Kalaburagi
- Orvakal (Kurnool)
- Sindhudurg
- Kushinagar
- Itanagar
- Mopa (Goa)
- Shivamogga
- Rajkot (Hirasar)
- Navi Mumbai
These projects aim to strengthen the national aviation network and support long-term passenger growth.
Airport Development Plans in Telangana
The minister also shared updates about airport expansion in Telangana.
The Mamnoor Airport in Warangal is set for redevelopment. The airport historically operated flights until 1983, including services by Vayudoot.
Authorities currently have about 700 acres of land, but an additional 250 acres were required to extend the runway and support wide-body aircraft operations.
The state government has approved the additional land. Planning work by the Airports Authority of India is already underway. The airport is expected to become operational within two years after construction begins.
The government is also evaluating two additional airport proposals in Telangana:
- Kothagudem Greenfield Airport project
- Adilabad Airport project
These developments aim to expand aviation connectivity across the state.
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