The Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar, nearing completion, is set to enter its next trial phase on November 15, a significant milestone in its path to an April 2025 opening. 

According to a press statement by the NIA, the trial phase, concluding on December 15, will involve daily test flights operated by Indian carriers Akasa, Indigo and potentially Air India. 

NIA says that the trial’s purpose is to rigorously assess operational systems, after which data will be submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by December 20 for approval. Pending successful review, NIA expects to receive aerodrome licensing by March 2025.

Upon licensing, NIA will commence commercial operations on April 17, 2025, with 30 inaugural flights comprising 25 domestic, three international and two cargo services. 

NIA says that initial international destinations will include Swiss city Zurich, Singapore, and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, while domestic routes will serve major cities, such as Mumbai and Lucknow.

The airport’s journey toward becoming an international aviation hub has been bolstered by partnerships with major airlines like Singapore Airlines and Lufthansa. 

These collaborations aim to increase regional connectivity, reduce congestion at Delhi’s IGI Airport and stimulate economic growth across western Uttar Pradesh, says the airport operator.