Prime Minister Inaugurates Phase 1 of Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport, developed at an investment of approximately ₹11,200 crore, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of India’s aviation infrastructure.

The Prime Minister described the inauguration of Noida International Airport as an important step in the development journey of Uttar Pradesh and the broader vision of a “Viksit Bharat,” highlighting the growing role of infrastructure in driving economic progress.

Boost to regional connectivity and economic growth

The newly inaugurated airport is expected to serve a wide catchment area across western Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions, including Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr and Faridabad.

Reflecting on the project, the Prime Minister said, “This is the state that chose me as its representative and made me a Member of Parliament, and its identity is now associated with this magnificent airport.” He added that the airport is expected to serve a wide catchment area, including cities such as Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Etawah, Bulandshahr, and Faridabad.

The project is expected to generate opportunities for farmers, small and medium enterprises and youth, while strengthening the region’s integration with global markets.

Part of broader infrastructure push

The inauguration follows a series of recent infrastructure developments in the region, including progress on the Delhi-Meerut Namo Bharat corridor, expansion of the Meerut Metro, and the foundation of a semiconductor facility in Noida.

The Prime Minister noted that these projects collectively position the region as a key growth hub, with Noida emerging as a central driver of economic activity in the state.

Strengthening logistics and connectivity

The area around Jewar is also developing as a logistics hub, supported by dedicated freight corridors that connect northern India to ports in eastern and western regions. The convergence point at Dadri enhances multimodal connectivity, enabling faster movement of goods by rail and air.

This integrated infrastructure is expected to improve supply chains and attract increased domestic and international investment.

Opportunities for agriculture and industry

The Prime Minister highlighted that improved connectivity will support agricultural exports and food processing industries in western Uttar Pradesh. Farmers are expected to benefit from faster access to global markets, while industries gain improved logistics efficiency.

He also noted the role of ethanol production from sugarcane in reducing dependence on crude oil imports, contributing to both economic and environmental goals.

Expanding India’s aviation ecosystem

The inauguration reflects India’s ongoing efforts to expand its aviation network. The Prime Minister stated that the number of airports in the country has grown significantly, with air connectivity extending beyond major cities to smaller towns.

Under the UDAN scheme, affordable air travel has been expanded to millions of passengers. The scheme has recently been scaled up with plans to develop additional airports and helipads across the country.

Focus on aviation services and employment

The government also announced the development of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Jewar, aimed at reducing dependence on overseas services and strengthening India’s aviation ecosystem.

This is expected to create employment opportunities across aviation-related sectors, including pilots, cabin crew and technical professionals, while supporting the long-term growth of the industry.

Outlook

With the launch of Noida International Airport, Uttar Pradesh continues to expand its aviation footprint, positioning itself among the states with the highest number of international airports in India.

The project is expected to play a key role in enhancing connectivity, supporting economic development and strengthening India’s position in the global aviation landscape.