The Noida International Airport in Jewar, Greater Noida, has reached a crucial milestone, moving closer to its scheduled April 2025 operational launch, Officials from the Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) confirmed that the calibration of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) has been successfully completed.
These systems are essential for ensuring safe landings and takeoffs, particularly in low-visibility conditions.
As reported by the Hindustan Times, the calibration process for both the ILS and PAPI systems was conducted by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), with assistance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). A Beechcraft King Air 360ER aircraft was used to perform the calibrations, which began on October 10 and concluded on October 14, 2024. According to officials, the successful completion of this process confirms that the runway and its associated equipment meet all necessary safety standards for aircraft operations.
“The AAI, with the DGCA’s assistance, conducted the calibration process, and the successful completion of this process shows that the runway and all related equipment are ready for operations,” said Arun Vir Singh, CEO of NIAL.
The ILS is a radio navigation system designed to provide pilots with precise guidance during the approach and landing phases of flight. It is especially crucial during poor weather conditions such as fog or rain, where visibility is limited. The system consists of two main components:
- Localizer: Provides horizontal guidance to align the aircraft with the runway centerline.
- Glide Path Antenna: Offers vertical guidance to ensure a safe and steady descent.
The PAPI, on the other hand, is a system of lights positioned along the runway, providing visual cues to pilots to help maintain the correct descent angle during final approach. Singh emphasized that the quality of these systems is critical to minimizing flight delays and ensuring operational efficiency.
The first commercial flight from Noida International Airport is scheduled to take off on April 17, 2025. This date was finalized during a meeting on October 1, 2024, between NIAL and the airport’s concessionaire, Yamuna International Airport Limited (YIAPL). In preparation, NIAL and YIAPL initiated landing and takeoff protocols on October 10. Since then, aircraft have been conducting daily test landings and takeoffs to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly.
“On October 10, we successfully conducted a takeoff and landing,” said Singh. “This process was crucial to ensure that operations can begin next year as planned.”
The calibration and testing of these systems are essential steps toward preparing the airport for full operations. Further trials, including commercial flight tests and evaluations, are set to take place in the coming months.
Several key tests are scheduled to ensure the airport is fully ready for commercial operations:
- Commercial Flight Trials: Full crew flight tests will be conducted by IndiGo and Akasa airlines on November 30, 2024. These tests are designed to assess runway readiness and validate the airport’s operational systems.
- AAI Evaluations: The Airports Authority of India will also participate in trial flights to ensure that all systems meet the required standards before the official launch.
NIAL and YIAPL are working closely with AAI, DGCA, and both state and central government authorities to ensure that all commercial operations can commence smoothly by the scheduled date.
In addition to the operational tests, NIAL is in discussions with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to finalize international flight routes. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also involved in consultations to determine domestic routes, ensuring that both international and domestic flights will be ready to take off on the scheduled launch date in April 2025.
NIAL has instructed YIAPL to expedite its efforts to meet the deadlines for both domestic and international operations. Officials confirmed that preparations for trial flights, including full crew tests, are progressing well and are on track to meet the April 17, 2025, launch.
The successful calibration of the ILS and PAPI systems at Noida International Airport marks a significant step forward in the airport’s journey toward full operational readiness. With extensive testing scheduled over the coming months, the airport is on track to become a key aviation hub in the region, providing improved connectivity and economic opportunities for both domestic and international travelers.
The airport is poised to enhance the region’s air connectivity, with its operations set to significantly boost the local economy, create jobs, and offer a modern gateway for passengers and airlines alike.