Test Flight Success at Noida International Airport
Noida International Airport (NIA) has made a major advancement toward becoming operational by successfully completing its first flight validation test. This test marks the beginning of the certification process for the airport's approach and departure procedures. The validation test was conducted when an IndiGo flight landed at the newly constructed airport, which is located 75 kilometres from Delhi in the Jewar area of Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
The NIA announced the achievement on the microblogging site X, stating: “The Noida International Airport aims to commence operations in April next year and has completed the calibration of the instrument landing system (ILS) and the precision approach path indicator. The ILS is a radio navigation system that provides pilots with precise guidance during approach and landing, particularly in low visibility conditions.”
Airport officials mentioned that a private carrier will operate the approach and departure validation flights in December. Once these validations are successfully completed, the operator can apply for the aerodrome license, which is issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
As part of the flight validation process, assessments are conducted using an equipped aircraft to ensure safety and compliance with other necessary standards. In the first phase, the airport will feature one terminal, one runway, ten aerobridges, and twenty-five parking stands.
To meet the requirements for a license to conduct flights and test the runway, various airlines will land their empty planes on the runway during the validation testing period. Three types of aircraft will be used for the runway testing. Additionally, all licenses for commercial flights will be granted 90 days in advance.
While testing on the runway was initially scheduled for November 15, it was postponed due to delays in obtaining the necessary permissions from the DGCA. During the trial, Indigo and Akasa were set to land and take off three aircraft daily. After the completion of validation tests, the operator will apply for the aerodrome license. These test flights were intended to begin on November 15 but faced delays since the required permissions from the DGCA were not received in time.