Jewar Airport project gains momentum as Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and UP CM Yogi Adityanath review progress. The greenfield airport aims to transform NCR connectivity.
The project, envisioned under a public-private partnership model, is being executed with Zurich Airport International AG as the concessionaire.
New Delhi: Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, conducted an on-site inspection of the upcoming Jewar Airport on Thursday. Notably, the Jewar Airport, is one of India’s most ambitious greenfield aviation projects and is being developed to serve the rapidly expanding Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).
The project, envisioned under a public-private partnership model, is being executed with Zurich Airport International AG as the concessionaire. Construction began in June 2022, and the first phase is scheduled to become operational by December 2025. Once completed, the airport is expected to play a crucial role in easing pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and improving regional connectivity, especially across western Uttar Pradesh.
The idea of developing a second international airport for the NCR was first explored around the time of the 2010 Commonwealth Games. However, due to challenges related to expanding Delhi’s existing airport and other logistical issues, the project remained stalled for more than a decade. It finally gained momentum after Zurich Airport International AG secured the 40-year concession in 2020, paving the way for construction.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the project in November 2021. The development work is being spearheaded by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, while Tata Projects has been entrusted with engineering, procurement, and construction responsibilities. Situated 75 kilometres from Delhi, the airport will become the NCR’s second major international gateway and a pivotal infrastructure asset for the region.
Envisioned as a major cargo and logistics hub, the airport is designed to significantly enhance economic growth through improved connectivity and freight operations. The site is planned to be seamlessly integrated with regional transport infrastructure through six connecting roads, a rapid rail-cum-metro system, and pod taxis, ensuring smooth access for passengers. It will also be equipped with a CAT-III B Instrument Landing System, enabling safe landings even during periods of low visibility.
Beyond transportation benefits, the Jewar Airport is expected to spur large-scale real estate development and generate nearly one lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities. The project aims to reduce congestion at IGI Airport, strengthen the aviation ecosystem of western Uttar Pradesh, and offer world-class facilities for domestic and international travellers.
Designed with the philosophy of “Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality,” the airport incorporates sustainability as a core objective, with plans to achieve net-zero emissions and minimize environmental impact. The proposed infrastructure includes modern terminals, automated systems, and cutting-edge technological solutions to ensure operational efficiency and a superior passenger experience.
The master plan outlines development in four phases, with the initial phase including two runways. In later expansion stages, the airport is planned to grow into a six-runway facility—potentially becoming one of the largest airports in the world.
As the December 2025 deadline approaches, Friday’s high-level inspection by the Union Minister and the Chief Minister underscores the government’s commitment to accelerating progress and ensuring the timely completion of this transformative infrastructure project.
