The upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) is experiencing significant demand from airlines for parking slots, prompting plans to increase its aircraft parking bays from 25 to 34 before commercial operations commence in April 2025.
NIA CEO Christoph Schnellmann reported a substantial interest from airlines in night parking slots. “Even before the airport gets operational, we have already started to expand apron positions beyond what was originally anticipated,” he stated. This demand highlights the competitive landscape for parking in the National Capital Region (NCR), as published by The Times of India.
Delhi Airport has faced challenges due to a shortage of parking bays, with nearly 70 bays occupied for years by grounded aircraft from IndiGo and GoAir. During significant events like the G20 Summit, this parking crunch raised concerns about accommodating dignitaries’ aircraft. In contrast, NIA is well-positioned to attract airlines looking for night parking options, including IndiGo and Akasa.
NIA is targeting approximately 5 million passengers in its first operational year, a notable achievement for a greenfield airport. “Handling close to half the capacity in that timeframe is significant for a big greenfield project,” Schnellmann emphasized. The airport’s initial capacity is set at 12 million passengers annually, with plans for future expansions as demand increases.
As NIA prepares to launch, it will compete directly with IGIA in Delhi, which is nearing peak capacity. Additionally, the Navi Mumbai Airport is set to open around the same time, positioning NIA to capitalize on the congestion at existing airports. Unlike the two airports in the Mumbai Metropolitan Area, which are operated by the same group, NIA and IGIA are managed by different operators, adding a layer of competition in the NCR.
Uttar Pradesh is actively working to attract airlines by reducing jet fuel tax rates, while Delhi maintains some of the highest rates in the country.
According to the original plans, NIA aims to grow from an initial capacity of 12 million to 30 million passengers by expanding Terminal 1. Subsequent phases will involve developing a second runway and terminal, ultimately increasing capacity to 50 million and then 70 million passengers.
Schnellmann indicated that as soon as the airport reaches 80% of its capacity, the next phase of development will begin, likely in 2-3 years after operations start. The first phase is estimated to cost about ₹6,000 crore, and the airport plans to submit its tariff proposal to the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) within the next month or two.
NIA aims to keep travel costs competitive, similar to other airports of its size. Schnellmann emphasized the importance of efficient terminal infrastructure, stating, “We have put a lot of emphasis on terminal infrastructure being quick and easy to use for both airlines and passengers, thereby achieving cost efficiency.”
From day one, NIA will be capable of handling both domestic and international flights. The design includes a mixed rotation system where domestic and international passengers board and disembark from separate levels. This setup allows an aircraft arriving from Mumbai to connect seamlessly with flights to international destinations like Dubai.
As the Noida International Airport gears up for its launch, it is set to transform the aviation landscape in India. With strategic expansions and a focus on meeting the needs of airlines and passengers, NIA is on track to become a key player in the region’s air travel market.