Noida International Airport (NIA), located in Jewar, Gautam Buddha Nagar, has successfully completed its validation flight, a key step in the process of obtaining its aerodrome license. This milestone brings the airport closer to beginning its commercial operations.
As published by The Economic Times, the validation flight was conducted using an IndiGo A320 passenger aircraft and was overseen by Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. The purpose of the flight was to verify the accuracy of the airport’s approach procedures, navigational aids, and air traffic control systems.
During the validation flight, the functionality of several critical systems was tested. This included the Instrument Landing System (ILS), which aids pilots in landing aircraft safely in low-visibility conditions, and the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system, which ensures that aircraft align properly with the runway during landing.
Additionally, the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) procedures were tested to ensure that aircraft can fly precise and accurate flight paths, crucial for safety and efficiency.
These tests are essential for confirming that the airport meets the stringent operational and safety standards required for commercial operations. Following the validation flight, NIA will finalize the required documentation for its aerodrome certification and submit it to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which will officially authorize the airport for full operation.
Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport, expressed his excitement about the progress, stating, “This milestone reflects the dedication and meticulous planning that has gone into ensuring the airport is ready for commercial operations. We are gearing up for the airport’s opening and look forward to welcoming passengers.”
The validation flight is a significant achievement for NIA, as it paves the way for the airport to proceed with the final steps before opening to the public. The airport operator had already undertaken an exercise in October to calibrate its ILS and PAPI systems, ensuring that these systems were ready for testing.
With the successful validation flight, Noida International Airport is now on track to complete the certification process and begin its commercial operations. The completion of this critical milestone demonstrates the airport’s readiness to provide safe, efficient, and modern air travel services to passengers.
The airport’s completion is set to enhance connectivity in the region and contribute to the economic growth of Noida and the surrounding areas. As the project nears its opening, NIA is poised to become a significant hub for air travel in India.