In a move poised to transform the aviation fuel landscape in Northern India, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) has signed a 30-year concession agreement with Noida International Airport (NIA). Under this partnership, IOCL will establish and operate fuel stations at three strategic locations within the airport premises, supporting NIA’s ambitions of becoming a world-class aviation hub.
Scheduled to open in 2025, Noida International Airport, near Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, is positioned as a key gateway for passengers and cargo in Northern India. This partnership is expected to streamline fuel supply operations and enhance NIA’s operational readiness.
Strategic Locations for Seamless Operations
The agreement outlines the establishment of fuel stations in three strategically chosen locations to optimise efficiency and address the diverse needs of airport operations. One station will be situated near the main western access road, designed primarily to serve passenger vehicles accessing the airport. Another will be located airside, enabling direct fueling for aircraft and ground support vehicles essential for smooth airside operations. The third station is planned for the eastern cargo precinct, tailored to meet the specific requirements of cargo handlers and logistics operators working in this critical area. This well-thought-out placement ensures seamless functionality across various aspects of airport activity.
These fuel stations will adhere to global safety and operational standards, ensuring uninterrupted access to high-quality fuel while maintaining operational efficiency.
Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport, emphasised the importance of the collaboration:
“Our collaboration with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd marks another milestone in NIA’s journey to operational readiness. By partnering with one of India’s most trusted fuel providers, we will ensure seamless and efficient fueling services at the airport. This is a step forward in building Noida International Airport as the gateway to Northern India.”
Sustainability and the Future of SAF
One of the most compelling aspects of this partnership is its potential to advance sustainable aviation. With the aviation industry under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is gaining traction globally.
As a forward-looking organisation, IOCL is well-positioned to integrate SAF-enabled operations into its portfolio. This aligns with NIA’s commitment to sustainable practices and its goal of becoming one of the greenest airports in India.
Sumeet Munshi, Divisional Retail Sales Head at IOCL, highlighted this vision:
“Indian Oil is proud to join hands with Noida International Airport to create an unparalleled experience for travelers. This collaboration underscores our commitment to innovation,
sustainability, and customer convenience. By setting up these fuel stations, we are not only serving customers but also supporting the region’s growing infrastructural requirements.”
While the initial agreement focuses on conventional fuels, both parties have signalled their openness to exploring SAF integration in the near future. Industry experts believe this could place NIA at the forefront of sustainable aviation practices in India, offering a competitive advantage in the regional aviation sector.
Implications for the Air Cargo Industry
The inclusion of a fuel station near the eastern cargo precinct is a strategic decision that could significantly benefit the air cargo sector. The station’s proximity to cargo operations will ensure efficient fueling for freighters, ground support vehicles, and logistics fleets.
With India’s air cargo volumes expected to grow substantially in the coming years, NIA’s focus on creating a dedicated cargo zone with robust fueling infrastructure enhances its appeal as a regional logistics hub. Furthermore, the airport’s intermodal connectivity—integrating air, road, and rail networks—positions it as a vital node in the country’s supply chain network.
Building a World-Class Aviation Hub
As NIA gears up to commence operations, its partnership with IOCL reflects its broader vision of creating a modern, efficient, and sustainable airport. The collaboration not only ensures high-quality fueling services but also reinforces NIA’s status as a progressive infrastructure project aimed at energising India’s aviation and logistics sectors.
By focusing on operational excellence, sustainability, and customer convenience, this partnership sets a benchmark for future airport operations in the region. With both NIA and IOCL committed to innovation and environmental responsibility, their collaboration serves as a model for how infrastructure projects can balance growth with sustainability.
As India’s aviation landscape continues to evolve, such partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping the future of air travel and logistics, ensuring that both passengers and cargo are served with efficiency, reliability, and a commitment to a greener future.
