The National Capital Region’s second airport, Noida International Airport has successfully completed the calibration of the instrument landing system and precision approach path indicator to assess navigation systems. The calibration, carried out by Airports Authority of India (AAI) with support from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), represents a crucial milestone in the airport’s journey towards operational readiness. The airport plans to apply for an aerodrome licence in December, this year.
The airport is strategically located at about 72 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, about 52 kilometres from Noida, about 130 kilometres from Agra and about 90 kilometres from Multi-Modal Logistics Hub at Dadri.
The Instrument Landing System (ILS) is a radio navigation system that provides precise guidance to pilots during approach and landing, particularly in low visibility conditions. The Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) is a system of lights positioned beside the runway to provide visual indication to pilots regarding their correct descent angle during the final approach. “A Beech King Air 360ER from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) began the calibration process on Thursday, 10th October, with the process concluding on 14th October 2024,” a media release stated on Tuesday.
Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, is developing the airport. The foundation stone for the project was laid in November 2021. The concession period for Noida International Airport commenced on October 1 2021 and will run for 40 years. The airport, which aims to start commercial operations in April 2025, is expected to submit the application for aerodrome licence in December after completing the validation flights.
In the first phase, the airport will have one terminal, one runway, 10 aerobridges and 25 parking stands. Once all four development phases are completed, the airport will have a capacity to handle 70 million passengers per year.
Noida International Airport (IATA code - DXN) will connect the greater Delhi area and also Western Uttar Pradesh with other cities in the country and the world. “The airport will combine Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality to offer rich experiences and comprehensive commercial attractions and services to its passengers. NIA is committed to an ambitious net-zero emissions goal supported by sustainable design and operations principles,” said the airport.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of Jewar Airport on November 26, 2021. The airport is expected to be operational later this year, two years before IGI Airport reaches its threshold traffic handling capacity.
To facilitate connectivity between the airport and its catchment area, the Uttar Pradesh government has enlisted the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to develop a proposal for a high-speed rail link. Additionally, plans are underway to integrate the RRTS in Ghaziabad with the forthcoming Noida airport.
