Noida Airport misses its second deadline for launch, terminal interior work in progress

India’s two most-awaited airports, Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and Noida International Airport, are set for commercial launch in Q2 of 2025. As a project, NMIA is ready for launch on May 15, 2025; however, the delayed Noida airport project has pushed back its launch deadline for the second time. The Jewar airport is set to open in June 2025, almost six months from its initial deadline of December 2024. The aerodrome license for operations of flights is expected in May 2025.

As per the first deadline, the airport was expected to open for commercial flights in October 2024. Speaking on the missed deadline, airport CEO Christoph Schnellmann said, “The next major milestone is the granting of the aerodrome license, expected in May. The airport will begin operations with domestic flights, with international routes to follow in the subsequent months.”

Meanwhile, the construction is progressing, with the runway and tower ready, but the terminal interior work is still in progress. The airport will need another two to five months for a complete ramp-up, pushing the airport launch deadline to May-end or June 2025. 

The airport authority has already filed its application for an aerodrome license and is in discussions with aviation regulators to complete Aerodrome Information Publication and obtain a temporary tariff structure.

This delayed opening is costing Tata Projects a fine of ₹3 crores every month said Zurich Airport's Chief Financial Officer Kevin Fleck during a post-earnings call with the analysts. 

Meanwhile, the airport management is expecting a soft opening in June 2025 with cargo services, while passenger flights will commence as the terminal interiors work will be complete.