Noida International Airport Gears Up for Landing Trials: CEO.

The Noida International Airport in Greater Noida is gearing up for a critical landing trial, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward operational readiness. Scheduled for Monday, the trial will test essential infrastructure and procedures, according to the airport’s CEO Christoph Schnellmann.

A single validation flight will be conducted during the trial. Schnellmann noted, “If successful, no additional validation flights will be necessary.” This validation flight is a vital step in securing the aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), as it assesses approach and departure procedures to the airport’s 3.9 km-long runway (10-28).

Certification Process and Readiness

The validation flight, initially planned for November 2024, faced delays and is now set for early December. Once completed successfully, the DGCA will undertake a comprehensive inspection to ensure the airport complies with all safety and operational standards. This includes reviewing the readiness of infrastructure and established flight procedures.

Earlier, in October 2024, the airport achieved a major milestone by calibrating its Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems using a Beech King Air 360 ER aircraft. These systems are crucial for safe operations, particularly in low-visibility conditions. The ILS provides precise guidance during landing, while PAPI lights ensure the correct descent angle.

Phased Expansion and Launch Plans

The first phase of the airport includes a single runway and terminal, designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. Upon completion of all four phases, the airport will have the capacity to manage 70 million passengers per year.

The airport’s inaugural commercial flight is expected in April 2025, with IndiGo likely serving as the launch airline, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the airport. Several international carriers have also expressed interest in operating from the facility once it becomes operational.

Delays and Challenges

Originally slated for completion by the end of 2024, the project experienced delays due to challenges in sourcing structural steel and other materials. Despite these setbacks, the airport remains on track to establish itself as a major aviation hub, enhancing connectivity and capacity in the region.

The successful landing trial and subsequent DGCA certification will be pivotal in ensuring the airport meets its operational targets and delivers on its promise of world-class aviation infrastructure.

HBL