Airport to boost north India’s connectivity in first phase | Lucknow News

Lucknow: The Noida International Airport in Jewar is set to expand aviation capacity in north India, with its first phase bringing together a new passenger terminal, cargo infrastructure and a multi-modal connectivity plan aimed at improving access from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR and adjoining states.Terminal 1, built over 1.37 lakh sqm, has been designed with focus on technology, capacity and lower-emission construction practices. The terminal has been developed using limestone calcined clay cement, which is highlighted as a lower-carbon alternative to conventional cement in large-scale airport construction.The terminal will have 48 check-in counters, 20 self-baggage drop facilities and nine security screening lanes.For international operations, nine immigration counters, each for arrival and departure, along with fast-track facilities, have been provided. Domestic operations will be supported by 10 aerobridges and two bus boarding gates, while international operations will have two aerobridges and a bus boarding gate.The facility is designed to handle around 30 aircraft movements per hour. In addition to passenger operations, the airport is being positioned as a logistics and cargo centre, with annual cargo handling capacity in the initial framework pegged at about 2.5 lakh metric tonnes.The project has taken shape over nearly eight years under chief minister Yogi Aditynath. The process began in 2017 with site clearance in July and a no-objection clearance from the Union ministry of home affairs. Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL) was formed in 2018 to provide the institutional framework for the project. In 2020, Zurich Airport International AG was selected as the concessionaire and the concession agreement was signed.Following financial closure and approval of the master plan in Aug 2021, the project moved into the execution stage. Construction began in March 2022, with Tata Projects appointed as the EPC contractor. Major construction milestones were completed over the next three years, followed by a calibration flight in Oct 2025 and the aerodrome licence in March 2026.The airport is linked to the Yamuna Expressway through a dedicated interchange and is expected to draw passengers not only from western UP but also from Delhi-NCR, south Haryana and parts of Rajasthan.Agreements have been made for interstate bus connectivity from Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states, while 500 electric buses are proposed for last-mile connectivity in the Noida-Greater Noida-Yamuna Expressway region.The design of the airport also incorporates cultural elements, including haveli-inspired architectural features, ghat-style spatial planning and the use of traditional handicraft motifs in interior spaces.