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TL;DR: DGCA will review Noida International Airport to grant an aerodrome licence after ORAT and calibration tests conclude. Domestic and cargo flights aim to begin in December; ticketing opens ~30 days prior.
Noida International Airport: DGCA Review and Launch Timeline
Noida International Airport is now in the final stretch before commercial operations. With calibration tests complete and Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) exercises underway, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) officials will meet the UP civil aviation department to assess the airport’s preparedness for an aerodrome licence. This licence is the last regulatory green light required for scheduled domestic and cargo services, currently targeted to begin in December.
What the DGCA review will cover
The DGCA inspection will verify all elements under the aerodrome manual: certified runway strength, runway end safety areas, taxiways and aprons, airfield lighting and navigation aids, and current meteorological and aeronautical data. Authorities will also confirm operational readiness through trained staff, the appointment of an accountable manager, adequate fire and rescue cover, emergency plans, wildlife control, ground-handling arrangements and robust security systems.
Testing, calibration and security clearance
Calibration tests were completed in two phases, with the second round concluded earlier in November following the initial test on October 31. The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) cleared security preparedness, and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) supervised the installation of communication, navigation and surveillance/air traffic management systems. Technical trials continue in the passenger terminal while ORAT simulations and stakeholder training cover baggage handling, check-in counters, security screening and boarding gate operations.
Once the DGCA issues the aerodrome licence, concessionaire YIAPL will coordinate with airlines to finalise slot allocation and flight schedules. As previously approved by AERA, an ad-hoc User Development Fee (UDF) is in place for initial operations. Ticketing is expected to open at least 30 days before flights commence, as airlines generally require a month’s notice for slot and scheduling confirmations.
Phased capacity build-up and future plans
The airport will start by handling domestic and cargo flights with an initial annual handling capacity of 1.2 crore passengers. Terminal 1 is planned to be nearly doubled, increasing capacity to 3 crore passengers per annum (CPA), with subsequent phases adding a second runway and terminal to expand capacity to 5 CPA and eventually 7 CPA. Night operations will be introduced gradually — initial limited daytime windows will expand as systems and staff are fully validated.
Connectivity, regional development and real estate impact
Improved airport connectivity will strengthen real estate demand across the National Capital Region. For readers tracking transit-led property trends, analysis of metro corridors and prime locations can provide useful context: Delhi Metro Expansion: Luxury Property Hotspots explores how transit projects drive luxury and mixed-use development. Meanwhile, new commercial and retail hubs are being planned along key expressways to serve airport-driven traffic — see projects like Gaur Yamuna City – Premium Retail & Office Spaces on Yamuna Expressway, Sector 22D and innovative mixed-use developments such as Sikka Mall of Noida – Retail, Office & Food Court Spaces on Noida Expressway for examples of how retail and office supply is aligning with improved air connectivity.
Stakeholders, timeline nuances and inauguration
Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) and airport CEO representatives have said that the only formal barrier left is the DGCA aerodrome licence. Officials from BCAS, Tata Projects and other stakeholders will participate in the final review. Political timelines — including a potential inauguration by the Prime Minister — could affect the final date: whether flights start immediately after inauguration or within 30–45 days depends on PMO scheduling and the exact timing of the licence issuance.
What travellers and businesses should expect next
- DGCA review and aerodrome licence decision: imminent. Calibration and ORAT phases already conducted.
- Initial operations: domestic and cargo flights, daytime windows to begin, night services to follow.
- Bookings: ticketing expected to open at least 30 days before scheduled flights.
- Capacity ramp-up: Terminal 1 expansion to 3 CPA, later phases to 5–7 CPA with a second runway.
As the airport transitions from testing to operational reality, businesses near the airport corridors and developers are positioning for demand in retail, office and hospitality sectors. The combined effect of enhanced air connectivity and regional infrastructure will likely accelerate commercial leasing and residential interest in adjacent nodes.
Stay tuned for official schedule announcements once DGCA approval is granted and airlines finalise slots. The next few weeks of inspections and paperwork will determine whether the airport meets its December target for initial operations.
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