Noida International Airport: India’s Largest and Asia’s Largest Airport

India is set to witness the construction of its largest airport in Jewar, Greater Noida, which will also become Asia’s largest airport. The Noida International Airport, also known as the Jewar Airport, is being built at an estimated cost of more than 1 lakh crore rupees and will be the third-largest airport in the world based on the number of runways, with 6 active runways after completion. This mega-project is expected to handle 12 crore passengers annually, which is double the capacity of India’s current largest airport, the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in Delhi.

The Need for a New Airport

The decision to build a new airport in Jewar raises the question of why it was necessary, given the presence of the IGI Airport and two other airports in Delhi. To understand this, we need to delve into the history of Delhi’s airports.

Delhi’s Airport Evolution

1. Willingdon Airfield (1918): Delhi’s first airport, located on the southern boundary of Lutyens Delhi, was named Willingdon Airfield. It primarily served the British Royal Air Force for practice and exercises.
2. Safdarjung Airport (1930s): Willingdon Airfield was commercialized and renamed Safdarjung Airport. It became India’s second aerodrome after Mumbai’s Juhu aerodrome and served as Delhi’s main airport until the 1960s.
3. Palam Airport (1962): Due to the increasing demand and the introduction of modern jet engines, commercial operations were shifted to Palam Airport, which had been opened in 1932 as an Air Force base.
4. Indira Gandhi International Airport (1986): Palam Airport was expanded and renamed Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI). New terminals, T1 and T2, were built to accommodate the growing passenger traffic.

Challenges Faced by IGI Airport

Despite multiple expansions and upgrades, the IGI Airport has been facing several challenges:

1. Congestion: The airport has been handling passenger traffic well beyond its designed capacity, leading to congestion and long queues.
2. Limited Expansion Scope: Due to the constrained space and the presence of residential areas around the airport, further expansion of the IGI Airport is limited.
3. Connectivity Issues: The lack of seamless connectivity between the terminals has been a major inconvenience for passengers, especially those with connecting flights.

Noida International Airport: A Game-Changer

The Noida International Airport is set to transform the aviation landscape of India and provide a much-needed relief to the overburdened IGI Airport. Here are some key highlights of the project:

• Location: The airport is being built in Jewar, Greater Noida, approximately 80 km away from the IGI Airport.
• Size: Spread across 7200 acres, the airport will have 4 or 5 terminals upon completion.
• Runways: With 6 active runways, it will become the third-largest airport in the world based on the number of runways.
• Passenger Handling Capacity: The airport will be able to handle 12 crore passengers annually, which is double the capacity of the IGI Airport.
• Cost: The estimated cost of construction is more than 1 lakh crore rupees.

Phased Development

The Noida International Airport will be developed in four phases:

1. Phase 1: The first phase will have two stages, with the first stage opening half of the terminal with a capacity of 1.2 crore passengers, and the second stage completing the terminal with a total capacity of 3 crore passengers per year. It will have a single runway (10-28) and will be spread across 22 acres on the northern side.
2. Phase 2: The second phase will also be developed in two stages, adding a new runway and terminal. The total capacity will reach 7 crore passengers per year after the completion of both phases, costing around Rs. 30,000 crores.
3. Phase 3 and 4: These phases are part of the long-term plan and will be executed based on future demand. They will add 4 new runways and 2-3 new terminals, increasing the total capacity to 12 crore passengers by 2050.

Connectivity and Infrastructure

The Noida International Airport will be well-connected to the surrounding areas through various means of transportation:

• Yamuna Expressway: The airport will be connected to the Yamuna Expressway, providing easy access to Delhi and other parts of the NCR.
• Metro Connectivity: A new line of the Noida Metro, from the Knowledge Park 2 station to the airport, is being planned to provide seamless connectivity.

Advantages of Multiple Airports in a City

Having multiple airports in a city can offer several advantages:

1. Reduced Congestion: Dividing the air traffic among multiple airports helps in reducing congestion and delays at individual airports.
2. Better Accessibility: Passengers can choose the airport nearest to their location, improving accessibility and convenience.
3. Competition and Improved Services: The presence of multiple airports fosters competition, leading to lower prices, better services, and more options for passengers.

Learning from London’s Airport System

London, being the busiest city airport system in the world, offers valuable lessons for managing multiple airports effectively:

1. Diverse Airport Roles: Each airport in London serves a specific role, such as Heathrow being the major international hub, Gatwick focusing on leisure and business traffic, and London City Airport catering to business travelers. Such specialization helps in distributing passengers efficiently.
2. Reliable Inter-Airport Connectivity: London has a well-established express railway system connecting its airports, ensuring seamless transfers for passengers with connecting flights.
3. Effective Air Traffic Management: Despite the complexity of managing air traffic across multiple airports, London has a robust air traffic management system in place to ensure safety and efficiency.

Future of Air Travel in India

The construction of the Noida International Airport is a testament to India’s growing aviation sector and the increasing demand for air travel. Here are some key factors that will shape the future of air travel in India:

• Growing Passenger Traffic: India’s air passenger traffic is expected to grow annually by 7%, which means it will double in 20 years. This highlights the need for expanding airport infrastructure to accommodate the rising demand.
• Airline Expansion Plans: Major Indian airlines, such as Air India and Indigo, have placed significant orders for new aircraft, indicating their confidence in the growth of the aviation market. Air India has ordered 500 jets from Airbus and Boeing, while Indigo has placed an order for 500 Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
• Development of State Capital Airports: To spread the air traffic and reduce the pressure on major airports like the IGI Airport, it is crucial for state capitals to develop their airports as major international hubs. This will enable passengers to take international flights directly from their states, without having to travel to Delhi or other major cities.

The Noida International Airport is a milestone project that will redefine air travel in India. With its massive scale, advanced infrastructure, and strategic location, it is poised to become Asia’s largest airport and the third-largest in the world based on the number of runways. The airport will not only ease the pressure on the IGI Airport but also provide a much-needed boost to the aviation sector in India.

As India continues to witness a surge in air passenger traffic, the development of multiple airports in major cities, along with the expansion of state capital airports, will be crucial in meeting the growing demand. The Noida International Airport, with its phased development plan and well-planned connectivity, is a step in the right direction towards achieving this goal.

The success of the Noida International Airport will depend on effective management, seamless inter-airport connectivity, and the adoption of best practices from global airport systems like London. By leveraging these factors, India can establish itself as a global aviation hub and provide world-class air travel experiences to its citizens and visitors alike.

The construction of the Noida International Airport is not just a project; it is a symbol of India’s aspirations and its determination to build world-class infrastructure. As the airport takes shape in the coming years, it will not only transform the aviation landscape of the country but also contribute significantly to the economic growth and development of the region.

In conclusion, the Noida International Airport is a game-changer for India’s aviation sector, and its successful completion and operation will mark a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards becoming a global aviation powerhouse. With its ambitious scale, strategic planning, and futuristic vision, the airport is set to redefine air travel in India and pave the way for a new era of growth and connectivity.