Just weeks before the Lok Sabha elections, the first test flight from the Noida International Airport is expected to take off this month, paving the way for the gradual launch of the main infrastructure facilities at the airport over the next few months to achieve full-operation by year-end. The test flight at the airport, after completion of asphalt work on the runway, is set to boost the BJP’s election pitch on infrastructure development in the politically crucial state of Uttar Pradesh, which sends 80 MPs to Lok Sabha.
A top official source at Noida International Airport (NIA), said construction work at the airport is on in full swing and the project is on track for completion as per the committed timeline. As of now, the ATC tower’s 38-metre structure and the 3,900-metre runway are in last phases of completion. Another big step in the direction of welcoming passengers was the unveiling of the IATA code for the airport, DXN, said the official.
With the purpose of providing efficient road connectivity to the airport, an official said that the NIA has plans that would revolve around using the Yamuna Expressway as the main link. Separate road access for cargo and passenger traffic have also been planned. An additional road access dedicated to cargo would be provided from the east side of the airport.
“Metro and RRTS connectivity has also been planned for the airport. Future high-speed rail connectivity from Delhi to Varanasi could include a stop adjacent to the airport,” said an official The NIA, which contracted Tata Projects as engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor in June 2022, has claimed to have maintained a mishap-free record while clocking more than 20 million safe work hours with over 9,000 individuals currently working at the site.
“We have reached the final floor level of the passenger terminal building, and façade work is now underway. With construction moving indoors, electric and plumbing work has also kicked off at the passenger terminal,” said an official. Last year, NIA partnered with IndiGo as the airport’s inaugural carrier. Just a few weeks ago, Akasa Air entered into a strategic collaboration with NIA.
An official said the airport has also brought on board several crucial partners, including TajSATS, for an in-flight catering facility, Amadeus for passenger processing, and Air India SATS (AISATS) for a multi-modal cargo hub at the airport.