Noida International Airport has announced a restructuring of its leadership team following regulatory requirements issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), mandating that airport CEOs in India must be Indian nationals.
With immediate effect, Nitu Samra has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer, pending the completion of a formal selection process by the Board. Samra has been serving as Chief Financial Officer since October 2021 and has played a key role in the airport’s development, overseeing financial management, governance and strategic planning.
Christoph Schnellmann, who has led the airport as CEO since August 2020, will transition to the role of Executive Vice Chairman on the Board of Directors, where he will continue to support the project and its transition to operations.
Daniel Bircher, Chairman of Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, said, “After the inauguration of Noida International Airport by the Hon’ble Prime Minister in March 2026, the goal was to enable the start of operations as early as possible. This management change brings the airport into compliance with Bureau of Civil Aviation Security requirements while maintaining continuity in the airport’s leadership team. The newly structured team will support a smooth transition into operations, guided by clear and transparent governance and a strong corporate culture.”
