Noida International Airport (NIA) commenced commercial flight operations yesterday, marking a significant milestone for India’s aviation sector and establishing a new gateway for the National Capital Region and Western Uttar Pradesh.
IndiGo became the first airline to operate from the airport, with the inaugural flight arriving from Lucknow and the first departure taking off for Bengaluru shortly afterwards.
The commencement of operations follows the airport’s inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28, 2026. Since then, NIA has completed extensive Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) trials to ensure systems, infrastructure and operational teams are fully prepared to deliver safe and efficient services.
The airport will initially focus on domestic operations, with international flights expected to commence in the coming months. Passengers will have access to a range of onward transport options, including airport taxis, app-based cab services and dedicated bus services connecting Delhi NCR and major cities across North India.
In addition to passenger operations, NIA has launched dedicated cargo facilities developed by Air India SATS (AISATS). The cargo terminal has an initial annual handling capacity of 200,000 metric tonnes, with plans to expand to 1.5 million tonnes in the future. The facility incorporates digital solutions such as the IATA-recommended E-Freight system to support paperless cargo movement, live tracking and streamlined documentation processes.
Christoph Schnellmann, Vice Chairman, Noida International Airport, said, “Today is a proud moment for everyone who has contributed to making Noida International Airport a reality. We are delighted to welcome our first passengers and flight operations. From the outset, our focus has been on creating an airport that combines operational excellence with an outstanding customer experience. We’re excited that IndiGo has launched operations at the airport today, and we look forward to providing passengers with a smooth, hassle-free experience in an airport that reflects the hospitality, culture and character of this region.”
Designed as a digitally enabled airport, NIA offers DigiYatra-enabled travel, self-service check-in and baggage drop facilities, along with a curated mix of retail and dining experiences. The airport’s architecture draws inspiration from the cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh, featuring design elements influenced by the ghats of Varanasi and traditional Indian haveli architecture.
Phase 1 of the airport has been designed to handle 12 million passengers annually. With a strong emphasis on customer service, sustainability, digital innovation and operational efficiency, Noida International Airport is expected to play a key role in enhancing regional connectivity, supporting tourism and trade, and driving economic growth across Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and northern India.
 welcomed its first passengers yesterday, with IndiGo becoming the first airline to operate from the airport. Initially, the airport will serve domestic routes, while international flights are expected to begin in the coming months.){kind=link}