Noida International Airport officially commenced commercial passenger operations on Monday, marking a major milestone for Uttar Pradesh’s aviation infrastructure. The inaugural commercial flight from Lucknow landed at the airport at 7:55 am, months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the facility on March 28.
The first arriving flight, IndiGo 6E-2278, departed from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow and touched down at Noida International Airport amid celebrations by passengers and airport officials.
First Commercial Flight Receives Grand Welcome
As the aircraft landed, passengers onboard applauded the successful completion of the inaugural journey. The flight was also welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute, a ceremonial gesture commonly used to mark significant aviation milestones.
The return flight, IndiGo 6E-2279, is scheduled to depart from Noida International Airport at 6:55 pm and arrive in Lucknow at 8:00 pm, establishing the airport’s first regular commercial route.
Akasa Air to Launch Services from Noida Airport
Expanding its operations, Akasa Air is set to begin daily flights from Noida International Airport to Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai starting June 16. With this move, Akasa Air will become the second airline to operate commercial services from the newly opened airport.
The addition of new routes is expected to strengthen domestic connectivity and provide more travel options for passengers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and western Uttar Pradesh.
Cargo Operations to Begin This Week
While passenger services started on Monday, the airport’s first cargo flight is scheduled to depart on June 17. According to Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), the inaugural cargo operation will serve a domestic route, marking another key step in the airport’s phased operational rollout.
Boost for Uttar Pradesh Connectivity and Economic Growth
The launch of commercial services is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Noida, Greater Noida, Lucknow, and other major Indian cities. Until now, many travellers relied on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport or road transport for journeys between Noida and Lucknow.
Officials believe the new airport will play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity, promoting business travel, supporting tourism, and driving economic development across Uttar Pradesh.
Noida International Airport Security Arrangements
Authorities have implemented a multi-layered security framework at Noida International Airport to ensure passenger safety and operational efficiency.
Key security measures include:
- AI-powered surveillance and monitoring systems
- Deployment of nearly 1,030 CISF personnel
- Advanced airport security infrastructure
- A dedicated police station established by Uttar Pradesh Police
Officials say these measures are designed to maintain high security standards as passenger and cargo traffic increases in the coming months.
Also Read : Kumkum Bhagya Actress Sanchita Ugale Dies at 22; Police Investigation Underway
About Noida International Airport
Noida International Airport has been developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.
The airport is expected to emerge as one of India’s major aviation hubs, reducing pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport while improving air connectivity across northern India.
By Jessica Sabharwal
