Farmers who gave land for Noida Airport take historic first flight

Noida: For several families from the Jewar region whose land was acquired for the development of Noida International Airport, Monday marked an emotional and historic milestone. Many of them boarded the first passenger flight from the newly operational airport to Lucknow, witnessing first-hand the transformation of land they once farmed into one of India's newest aviation hubs.

Residents from villages in Gautam Buddh Nagar arrived at the airport carrying boarding passes as they prepared to travel on the inaugural flight from the greenfield airport. Among them were several women and members of families who had parted with their ancestral land during the first phase of the airport project.

The passengers were scheduled to be welcomed in Lucknow by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

'A dream becoming reality'

For many travellers on board, the journey carried special significance beyond simply taking a flight.

Abrar Khan, one of the passengers, said the experience was deeply meaningful as the airport they had long hoped to see had finally become operational.

He said villagers were delighted to travel on the first flight from Noida International Airport to Lucknow and described the moment as the fulfilment of a vision they had watched take shape over the years.

Khan also said the group had received invitations from the Chief Minister to be part of the inaugural flight, calling it a matter of pride and honour.

Women passengers call it a historic day

Among those travelling was Hera Rashid, a young woman from a nearby village, who described the occasion as historic for the local community.

She said villagers were excited about being part of the airport's first flight and looked forward to meeting Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow. She also noted that the journey had been arranged free of cost for them.

Many passengers said the opportunity represented recognition of the sacrifices made by local communities during the airport's development.

Farmers reflect on their contribution

Several farmers who surrendered land for the project also joined the inaugural journey.

One farmer, around 65 years old, said he had given 30 bighas of land for the construction of the airport and was pleased to see development taking place in the region.

At the same time, he said authorities had promised employment opportunities to affected landowners and claimed that he was still waiting for that assurance to be fulfilled.

Another woman travelling on the flight said being included in the inaugural passenger service was a proud moment for villagers whose families had contributed to the project.

MLA highlights farmers' role in airport project

Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh said the launch of passenger operations was more than the start of a new air service. According to him, it was also an acknowledgement of the role played by local farmers in making the airport a reality.

He said the same families that had surrendered their ancestral land for the benefit of the state and the nation were now taking flight from that very land.

Singh remarked that hands once engaged in cultivating fields were now holding boarding passes, symbolising the region's transformation.

According to the MLA, the journey of the farmers to Lucknow represented not only their personal experience but also the story of development, the contribution of agricultural communities and the changing face of Uttar Pradesh.

Airport begins commercial passenger services

Noida International Airport officially commenced passenger flight operations on Monday, connecting the region with Lucknow and other destinations.

The airport is expected to improve transport links across western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region while also supporting economic growth and investment in the area.

The project has been viewed as a major infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and boosting development opportunities.

From foundation stone to first flight

The airport project has progressed through several key milestones over the past few years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Noida International Airport on November 25, 2021.

The facility was formally inaugurated by the Prime Minister on March 28 this year.

Agency inputs