PM Modi Inaugurates Noida International Airport: “A New Chapter for Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat”

New Delhi, March 28, 2026 — In a landmark moment for India’s aviation sector, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar today, March 28, 2026. Addressing a massive gathering, the Prime Minister hailed the project as a cornerstone of the “Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat” (Developed UP, Developed India) campaign, asserting that the state is now a primary engine of national growth.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. Before the formal ceremony, PM Modi undertook a comprehensive walkthrough of the state-of-the-art terminal building, reviewing the world-class facilities designed to serve as the second international gateway for the Delhi-NCR region.

Key Highlights of the Inauguration

The inauguration marks the completion of the first phase of one of India’s most ambitious greenfield projects. Here are the vital statistics of the new aviation hub:

• Investment: Approximately ₹11,200 crore developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
• Initial Capacity: Designed to handle 12 million passengers annually, with plans to scale up to 70 million.
• Infrastructure: A 3,900-meter runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft and equipped with advanced Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) for all-weather operations.
• Sustainability: Envisioned as a net-zero emissions facility, integrating energy-efficient systems with Indian architectural elements inspired by traditional ghats and havelis.

“Viksit UP, Viksit Bharat”: PM Modi’s Vision

During his address, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the airport is not just about flights but about transforming the socio-economic fabric of Western Uttar Pradesh.

“Today, we are beginning a new chapter of the Viksit Uttar Pradesh, Viksit Bharat campaign. This airport will become a symbol of the identity of a developed Uttar Pradesh. It will bring endless opportunities for our farmers, small traders, and the youth of this region,” PM Modi stated.

He further noted that Uttar Pradesh has now become one of the states with the highest number of international airports in India, totaling five. The Prime Minister highlighted that the airport would significantly benefit nearby regions, including Agra, Mathura, Meerut, Ghaziabad, and Aligarh, by boosting tourism and logistics.

A Boost to Global Logistics and Connectivity

The Noida International Airport is positioned to be more than just a passenger terminal. It features a robust Multi-Modal Cargo Hub and an integrated cargo terminal designed to handle over 2.5 lakh metric tonnes annually in its first phase.

Additionally, a 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility was inaugurated today, which is expected to reduce India’s dependence on foreign maintenance hubs and create thousands of specialized technical jobs.

Operational Timeline

While the physical infrastructure is now complete and inaugurated, commercial flight operations are expected to commence in mid-April to May 2026, following final regulatory clearances and airline scheduling. Major carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have already confirmed they will operate from the new hub.