UP Cabinet Approves Airport Renaming Proposal
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Noida International Airport in Jewar as Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the decision after a Cabinet meeting on October 9, 2026.
The airport, located in Gautam Buddha Nagar district along the Yamuna Expressway, is being developed as a major aviation hub for the National Capital Region (NCR). The proposed renaming is intended to recognise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contributions and mark 25 years of his continuous public service as head of government.
Why Is The Airport Being Renamed?
The Uttar Pradesh government said the decision reflects its recognition of Modi’s leadership and the development of major infrastructure projects in the state.
The Cabinet also passed a resolution congratulating the Prime Minister on completing 25 years in public office as head of government, a milestone marked on October 7.
According to Adityanath, the airport is expected to become one of Uttar Pradesh’s most important infrastructure assets, supporting economic activity, industrial investment, tourism and international connectivity.
What Happens Next?
The state Cabinet’s approval is an important step, but the renaming process is not necessarily complete.
Under the established procedure for naming or renaming airports in India, the state government’s recommendation is considered by the Union Cabinet. The final decision rests with the Union Cabinet, after which the approved name is formally notified.
The airport’s official name will therefore depend on the completion of the remaining central-government formalities.
Jewar Airport’s Growing Importance
Noida International Airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi on March 28, 2026, with Phase I developed at an investment of approximately Rs 11,200 crore.
The airport was planned to complement Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and help meet the region’s growing aviation demand.
Its first phase has an initial passenger-handling capacity of 12 million passengers annually, with the potential to expand to 70 million passengers per year as further phases are developed.
The airport also includes cargo infrastructure and plans for multimodal connectivity through roads, rail and other transport links.
Could It Become The First Airport Named After A Sitting Prime Minister?
If the proposal receives final approval, the airport would become a rare example of an Indian airport being named after a serving Prime Minister.
Several Indian airports already carry the names of former national leaders, including Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi.
The proposed renaming has attracted attention because it would associate one of the country’s major new aviation projects directly with a serving head of government.
What Does The Airport Mean For Uttar Pradesh?
The airport is expected to improve connectivity for western Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring areas of Haryana and Rajasthan.
It could also support logistics, tourism, manufacturing and employment as commercial aviation and cargo operations expand.
The long-term impact will depend on the pace of airport development, airline connectivity and transport links connecting the facility to surrounding cities.
Summary
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Noida International Airport in Jewar as Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the decision on October 9, linking it to the Prime Minister’s 25 years of public service. The airport’s final renaming remains subject to the required Union Cabinet approval and formal notification.
