Noida Airport Delay To Cost Tata Projects Rs 3 Crore Monthly
Although the runway and control tower are complete, the terminal building remains under construction, awaiting interior finishing work.
Noida International Airport's delayed opening may cost Tata Projects—the company responsible for construction—around Rs 3 crore in fines every month, according to Zurich Airport's Chief Financial Officer Kevin Fleck.
"Financial penalties to pay are approximately 300,000 Swiss francs per month (about Rs 3 crore)," Fleck told analysts during a post-earnings call on Tuesday. "That's 10,000 Swiss francs per day. But we can contractually pass them onto Tata, who is constructing the airport for us. That's part of the contract we signed with them."
NDTV Profit had earlier reported that the construction works at the airport are yet to finish, making it impossible to obtain the necessary regulatory and security clearances required to commence commercial flight operations. While the runway and control tower are ready, the terminal is still undergoing necessary interior work.
The aerodrome license—a mandatory certification required to ensure that the airport meets aviation safety and operational standards before hosting commercial flights—is expected to be granted by the DGCA in May, a Noida International Airport spokesperson told NDTV Profit.
The airport operator is currently working with the regulators to complete all necessary steps required to obtain the license, including the release of the Aerodrome Information Publication. In technical parlance, AIP is a manual for pilots and aircrew containing thorough details of regulations, procedures, and navigation information for operating at a specific airport.
"The airport will begin operations with domestic flights, with international routes to follow in the subsequent months," the airport spokesperson said, adding, "Discussions are ongoing with the state and central government regarding the start of commercial operations."
The project's progress was also reviewed by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with officials from the aviation ministry.
A "soft opening" of the airport is projected for the June quarter, with a gradual ramp-up of services expected over the next two to five months, according to Fleck. Initially, cargo services are expected to begin, while passenger traffic will commence only once the interior work on the terminal is completed. "The interior works will take a few more months."
