Construction Delays Lead to Financial Penalties
Tata Projects, the company responsible for constructing Noida International Airport, may incur a fine of approximately Rs 3 crore every month due to delays. Zurich Airport’s Chief Financial Officer Kevin Fleck stated that penalties amounting to 300,000 Swiss francs per month are contractually passed onto Tata Projects as part of their agreement.
Pending Approvals and Construction Status
The airport still needs to complete necessary regulatory and security clearances before commercial operations can commence. While key infrastructure, including the runway and control tower, is complete, the terminal is still undergoing interior work. The aerodrome license, a crucial certification for aviation safety and operations, is expected to be granted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in May.
To secure this license, the airport operator is working closely with regulatory bodies. One key requirement is the release of the Aerodrome Information Publication (AIP), a detailed manual that provides pilots and aircrew with essential regulations, procedures, and navigation information.
Gradual Launch of Operations
The airport is expected to begin operations with domestic flights, followed by international routes in the coming months. Discussions with the state and central government are ongoing to finalize the timeline for commercial operations.
Soft Opening and Future Expansion
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with aviation ministry officials, recently reviewed the project’s progress. Zurich Airport executives anticipate a “soft opening” in the June quarter, with a phased expansion over the next two to five months. Initially, cargo operations will commence, while passenger services will begin once the terminal’s interior work is finished.
Conclusion
The Noida International Airport project is progressing but faces construction delays, impacting its launch timeline. Regulatory approvals, interior work completion, and government discussions will determine when full-scale operations can begin. Despite setbacks, the airport aims to start with domestic flights before expanding to international routes.
