The National Capital Region (NCR) is all set to witness the inauguration of its second major airport next year, with the Noida International Airport (also known as the Jewar Airport) scheduled to open its doors to the first trial flights in a matter of days. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Christoph Schnellmann, the CEO of Noida International Airport, shared key insights about the project’s design, functionality, and its unique vision of blending Indian hospitality with Swiss efficiency.
The airport, being developed by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG) and Noida International Airport Limited, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh government, aims to cater to the growing demand for air travel in India. With a rapidly expanding aviation market, the Noida airport seeks to relieve pressure from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is nearing its capacity.
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity in Design
Schnellmann emphasized that design was a focal point of the project from the very beginning. One of the standout features will be the flight of steps at the terminal’s forecourt, modeled after the iconic ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar, symbolic of India’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The terminal itself is designed to harmonize with the local environment, drawing on regional architectural styles while incorporating modern Swiss principles of efficiency and sustainability.
“We are incredibly excited about the experience we are going to be able to offer our passengers. We aim to combine Indian warmth and hospitality with Swiss quality and efficiency,” said Schnellmann. The airport’s design also reflects a climate-friendly approach, with natural lighting and ventilation aimed at reducing the environmental impact and energy costs.
The terminal will also feature a large open-air courtyard inspired by traditional ‘haveli’ architecture, offering passengers a spacious and culturally immersive experience. Furthermore, the airport is strategically designed to be a gateway for tourists traveling to prominent destinations in North India, such as the Taj Mahal, Mathura, Vrindavan, and various Hindu pilgrimage sites like the Chardham Yatra and the Kumbh Mela.
Anticipating High Passenger Traffic
The Noida International Airport is set to be a massive infrastructure project covering an area of 1,334 hectares. In its first phase, the airport is expected to handle 12 million passengers annually, with projections suggesting this number will rise to 30 million by the end of the decade and up to 70 million as the airport matures.
The airport will initially operate with one runway and a terminal equipped with 10 aerobridges and three bus gates. Over time, as passenger numbers and flight volumes grow, the airport plans to expand with two runways and an increased number of aircraft spots in the apron area, from the current 28 to 200.
“We’ve designed the terminal with future expansion in mind. The terminal’s pier can be expanded westward to accommodate more passengers, and we can mirror the building to the east as needed,” Schnellmann explained.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
Located in Jewar, in Gautam Buddha Nagar district of Western UP, the airport is easily accessible through the signal-free Yamuna Expressway, linking it to Noida, Greater Noida, and Delhi. According to Schnellmann, the current road travel time from Saket to the airport is about an hour and 45 minutes, but once an interchange is completed, this will be reduced to just 45 minutes from Noida and 25 minutes from Greater Noida.
With its modern design, strong connectivity, and ambitious expansion plans, the Noida International Airport is poised to be a game-changer in India’s rapidly growing aviation sector, offering a state-of-the-art, culturally rich travel experience for millions of passengers in the years to come.
As the first trial flights are set to take off in the coming days, all eyes will be on the development and future growth of this new hub in the NCR.
Sources By Agencies