The Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) has announced its first flight validation test on December 9, 2024. A flight from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will land and take off from the airport’s 3.9-kilometer operational runway. The trial will evaluate crucial systems such as runway performance, airspace coordination, communication protocols, and emergency response readiness.
Purpose and Process
The Airports Authority of India (AAI), in collaboration with NIAL staff, will conduct the test. The collected data will be submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for review. Officials aim to complete the validation process by December 15, after which the airport concessionaire will apply for an aerodrome license—a key requirement for commercial operations.
Stakeholder Participation
The trial will be supervised by officials from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, and Uttar Pradesh Civil Aviation Department. Airline partners such as Akasa and Indigo are expected to conduct trial operations following this validation test.
Infrastructure and Technology
The airport has achieved significant milestones, including the calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) in October 2024. These systems enhance safety during landings, especially in low-visibility conditions. The 38-meter-tall Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower is ready, and communication systems will be tested during the trial.
Project Overview
Spread across 1,334 hectares, the Noida International Airport is being developed in four phases at a total investment of Rs 29,650 crore. The first phase, costing Rs 10,056 crore, is designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. Zurich International AG will manage the airport for the next 40 years. Terminal construction is nearing completion, with equipment installation underway.
Commercial Launch Timeline
NIAL has directed the concessionaire to ensure the airport is ready for domestic and international flights by April 17, 2025. “All clearances and flight trials are progressing on time,” said Shailendra Bhatia, nodal officer for NIAL.
Conclusion The first flight validation test at Noida International Airport marks a pivotal moment in its development. With advanced infrastructure and safety measures, the airport is poised to redefine connectivity and bolster economic growth in the region.
