Noida International Airport (NIA) is set to combine state-of-the-art technology with sustainable practices to create a world-class gateway. Slated to be India’s leading greenfield airport, NIA aims to deliver unparalleled customer service, efficiency, and a robust logistics ecosystem, all while maintaining a minimal environmental footprint.
Strategically located at the heart of the Delhi-NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh, the airport is a significant infrastructural project poised to drive economic growth and job creation.
“Noida International Airport will provide the much-needed aviation infrastructure, acting as a catalyst for infrastructure development, economic growth, and employment opportunities in the region,” Christoph Schnellmann, CEO, of Noida International Airport, said.
Key features
Noida International Airport will combine Indian warmth and hospitality with Swiss technology and efficiency to develop a modern, user-friendly design, inspired by India. The passenger terminal will feature intricate ornamental lattice screens inspired by traditional Indian architecture. Notably, the terminal forecourt will include steps reminiscent of the iconic ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar. The airport’s design also incorporates a courtyard to allow natural light and air, mimicking the feel of a traditional haveli. Additionally, the terminal’s roof, inspired by the region’s rivers, will have a translucent, wavy structure, evoking a flowing water body.
The airport will also prioritise sustainability, featuring an efficient layout with multiple high-quality areas interspersed with lush greenery, ensuring a balanced concept for energy savings and a tangible sense of sustainability. Passive measures such as natural lighting, ventilation, and glare protection will reduce the CO2 footprint and energy costs.
As a significant air cargo gateway for North India, NIA has awarded a concession for a multi-modal cargo hub to Air India SATS (AISATS). This cargo hub will span over 80 acres and provide efficient intermodal connectivity, facilitating trade across northern India.
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Development
NIA is a cornerstone project for regional growth, poised to be a catalyst for job creation and providing much-needed aviation infrastructure in the Delhi NCR and Western Uttar Pradesh. It is expected to significantly boost tourism, providing easy access to pilgrimage and tourist destinations such as Agra, the Buddhist circuit, Mathura, and Vrindavan. This increase in tourism will generate substantial revenue for local businesses and create numerous job opportunities.
Meanwhile, the cargo and logistics infrastructure will ensure seamless transportation of goods, creating a gateway for Northern India and supporting various industrial clusters in the region. This development will promote economic growth and generate employment opportunities.
NIA has forged strategic partnerships with several key stakeholders to ensure a successful launch and operation. IndiGo has been announced as the airport’s inaugural carrier, with Akasa Air also committing to base aircraft at NIA for both domestic and international flights. Collaborations with TajSATS for in-flight catering, Amadeus for passenger processing systems, and SITA for airport management systems are in place to streamline airport operations.
Roseate Hotels and Resorts will develop the first airport hotel, featuring 220 well-appointed rooms with intelligent technology tailored to meet the demands of global travellers. A consortium of Heinemann Asia Pacific and BWC Forwarders Private Limited has been awarded the concession for retail and duty-free operations, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience for passengers.
The multi-modal cargo hub (MMCH) at NIA, managed by Air India SATS, is actively under construction. In its first phase, the hub will handle an annual capacity of 250,000 tonnes, which will expand to two million tonnes in the final phase. The MMCH will offer a range of cargo handling services, including domestic and international shipments, express cargo, and transhipment, catering to the differentiated catchment and industrial clusters in NCR and Uttar Pradesh.
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Sustainability Initiatives
NIA is committed to sustainability, integrating passive measures like natural lighting and ventilation to reduce CO2 footprint and energy costs. The airport will implement technologies for using green electricity, rainwater harvesting, onsite waste management, sewage treatment, EV charging infrastructure, and electric ground support equipment.
Special precautions during construction, such as transplanting over 580 trees and planning for 133 hectares of green area, demonstrate NIA’s commitment to environmental preservation. The use of breakthrough technology from Nanogence Catalyst further enhances material performance while reducing carbon emissions.