Noida Airport Licence Expected by Nov 30, Commercial Operations to Begin Next Year.

Noida International Airport is approaching a key milestone, with officials indicating that the facility could receive its aerodrome licence by November 30, following a final security inspection scheduled for November 24. The licence will bring the airport closer to launching commercial operations.

The inspection will be conducted by a team of experts from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), and other relevant agencies.

“This is the last major milestone before commercial flights can begin. If all systems meet the prescribed standards, the aerodrome licence will be issued within a week of the inspection,” said Shailendra Bhatia, nodal officer for Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL).

Once the licence is granted, the private operator — Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) — will coordinate with airline partners including Air India, Akasa Air, and IndiGo to finalise the launch date for commercial operations. However, officials cautioned that passenger flights are unlikely to begin immediately. Airlines typically require several weeks to secure landing and departure slots, adjust schedules, and announce new routes.

The timing of the airport’s inauguration, pending confirmation from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), will also influence when the first flights take off. Depending on the PMO’s schedule and airline preparations, commercial operations could commence anywhere from immediately after the inauguration to 30–45 days later.

A high-level review meeting was held at the airport on Thursday, attended by senior officials from DGCA, the Uttar Pradesh civil aviation department, the Union Civil Aviation Ministry, and representatives from NIAL, CISF, and airline operators. The team inspected vital infrastructure, including the air traffic control tower and terminal building, to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.

Minor security observations flagged during an earlier review on November 3 have reportedly been resolved. “The November 24 security check will be decisive. According to norms, the licence is issued within a week after full security clearance,” Bhatia added.

To qualify for DGCA’s aerodrome licence, the airport must demonstrate compliance in several areas, including runway strength, safety zones, operational taxiways and aprons, airfield lighting, navigational aids, and up-to-date aeronautical and meteorological data. Operational readiness is also assessed, covering trained staff, emergency response plans, fire and rescue capability, wildlife hazard management, and robust ground-handling and security systems.

Noida airport has already cleared many of these requirements. In September, it received key security clearance from BCAS for its airside infrastructure. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has overseen the installation of advanced communication, navigation, and surveillance systems, while technical trials and a full Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) programme — including system checks, simulations, and staff training — are ongoing.

The airport had earlier conducted a successful validation flight last December, confirming the runway’s capability for safe aircraft operations. Since then, the project has made steady progress, with the terminal roof now complete and multiple technical trials underway to ensure a smooth start.