- Prime Minister Modi inaugurated Phase I of Noida International Airport at Jewar
- The airport project cost is around Rs 11,200 crore under a PPP model
- Initial capacity is 1.2 crore passengers annually, scalable to 7 crore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the much-awaited Phase I of Noida International Airport on Saturday. This is among the largest greenfield airport projects in the country. He took a walkthrough of the Terminal Building of the new airport at Jewar and addressed a public gathering on the occasion.
The Phase I of Noida International Airport is built with an investment of around Rs 11,200 crore under a Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model.
Marking a major milestone in India's journey towards becoming a global aviation hub, the airport has been envisioned as a major international gateway for the National Capital Region (NCR). It highlights a key step in strengthening the country's airport infrastructure as well as enhancing regional and international connectivity.
Complementing Indira Gandhi International Airport in the national capital, the new airport in Jewar will function as an integrated aviation system. It will significantly ease congestion, expand passenger capacity, and help in positioning Delhi-NCR among leading global aviation hubs.
Initially, the airport will have a passenger handling capacity of 1.2 crore passengers per annum (MPPA). It is expected to have scalability up to 7 crore upon full development.
Also Read: Pilots' Body Flags Concerns Over Flights In Conflict Zones Amid Iran, Ukraine Wars
The airport features a 3,900-meter runway capable of handling wide-body aircraft and modern navigation systems such as Instrument Landing System (ILS) and advanced airfield lighting to support efficient, all-weather, round-the-clock operations.
Earlier this month, the airport received its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation with approval for "all-weather operations". This highlights that it has the required systems in place to support aircraft movements even at the times of reduced visibility conditions.
The single runway at Jewar has been designated 10/28. It has been equipped with ILS at both ends, which allows aircraft to approach from either direction depending on wind conditions.
The modern system gives lateral guidance via the localiser, aligning the aircraft with the runway centreline as well as the vertical guidance via the glide slope. This will ensure a stable descent path. These key signals will enable pilots to rely on cockpit instruments more than external visual references during the final approach - something that is too critical during fog or haze.
Notably, thorough calibration flights and validation checks have been done for the ILS and associated navigation aids prior to certification. This includes key testing of signal accuracy, alignment and integration with air traffic control systems.
Supported by an aeronautical ground lighting system, the runway includes approach and runway lighting that works in conjunction with ILS to facilitate operations in low visibility and at night.
As of now, the exact ILS category - CAT I, II or III - has not been specified in official disclosures. The "all-weather" classification indicates that the Noida International Airport is well equipped to handle flight operations in varying weather conditions, including fog, subject to operational minima.
The Indira Gandhi International Airport currently operates CAT III-B systems that allow aircraft to land in very low visibility conditions.
ALSO READ: Indian Airlines To Operate 10% Fewer Flights In Summer Schedule
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.