Why Is India Building Its LARGEST Airport?

Summary

India is constructing one of Asia's largest airports, Noida International Airport, near Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, to accommodate the soaring demand for air travel. Expected to handle 12 million passengers initially, it aims to expand to serve up to 120 million within 30 years. The project, led by Noida International Airport Limited and Zurich Airport AG, is part of India's push for global recognition and improved connectivity, showcasing the country's progress and addressing the needs of its emerging middle class.

Takeaways

• 🌍 India is constructing one of Asia's largest airports to accommodate the massive demand for air travel by its nearly 1.4 billion people.
• 🛫 The new airport, expected to be completed in 2024, is designed to handle 12 million passengers per year initially, with plans to expand to serve up to 120 million passengers annually over a 30-year period.
• ✈️ India's aviation industry is experiencing significant growth, with leading airlines ordering nearly 1,000 jets, reflecting an investment of tens of billions of dollars.
• 🚄 Despite a strong reliance on trains, with 20 rail journeys for every 20 flights, India is pushing for greater global recognition through massive aviation expansion.
• 🏙 The Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is strategically planned to serve the National Capital Region (NCR) and alleviate traffic at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport.
• 🤝 The project is a public-private partnership, with Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) leading on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government, and Flughafen Zürich AG operating it for 40 years.
• 🚧 The airport's construction includes a 31-kilometer greenfield highway to connect it to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, showcasing significant infrastructure development.
• 📈 The airport's initial phase will feature two runways, with future plans to expand to an eight-runway facility covering 7,200 acres.
• 📉 The project has faced challenges, including objections over its proximity to existing airports and ecological concerns, requiring careful planning and collaboration.
• 🌿 Environmental considerations are integral to the project, with conditions set for protecting local wetlands and efforts to minimize disruption to the ecosystem.

Q & A

Why is India building one of Asia's largest airports?

India is building one of Asia's largest airports to meet the growing demand for air travel by its nearly 1.4 billion people and to support its rising economy and middle class.

What is the expected completion year for the new airport in India?

The new airport, Noida International Airport, is expected to be completed in 2024, with further expansions planned in the coming years.

How many passengers is the initial phase of Noida International Airport expected to handle?

The initial phase of Noida International Airport is expected to handle 1.2 crore (12 million) passengers per year.

What is the long-term expansion plan for passenger capacity at Noida International Airport?

After expansion over a 30-year period, Noida International Airport aims to handle up to 6-12 crore (60-120 million) passengers per year.

Which company secured the bid to build and operate Noida International Airport?

Flughafen Zürich AG, the operator of Zurich Airport, secured the bid to build and operate Noida International Airport for the next 40 years.

What is the significance of the 31-kilometer greenfield highway being constructed by NHAI?

The 31-kilometer greenfield highway is being constructed to connect Noida International Airport to Sector-65, Faridabad, on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, enhancing accessibility.

What is the current status of the Noida International Airport project?

As of the script's information, approximately 80% of phase one of the Noida International Airport project is nearing completion, with trial runs scheduled for the end of June.

How is the Noida International Airport project being financed?

Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) has disclosed that roughly INR 7,371.51 crore of the allocated INR 10,056 crore budget has been utilized for the airport's construction.

What are the connectivity plans for the Noida International Airport?

The state government is planning a Metro line, road connectivity, and exploring avant-garde transportation solutions like a pod taxi system and a rapid rail corridor to integrate the airport with the National Capital Region.

What ecological concerns have been raised regarding the Noida International Airport project?

Ecological concerns include the potential impact on the Dhanauri Wetlands, with conditions set by India’s environmental ministry for protection, and local environmental groups have called for action to prevent irreversible damage.

What is the current status of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure at Noida International Airport?

By July, the airport is set to have two state-of-the-art radars, enhancing operational efficiency significantly, and is initially poised to handle up to 50 flights daily.

Outlines

00:00

🛫 India's Aviation Boom and the Rise of Noida International Airport

India, with a population nearing 1.4 billion, is experiencing a surge in air travel demand, prompting the construction of one of Asia's largest airports. The airport, expected to handle 12 million passengers initially and up to 120 million after expansion, is a response to the country's rapid economic growth and the aspirations of its emerging middle class. The video invites viewers to learn about the construction of this massive airport, which is part of India's push for global recognition and is being developed through a public-private partnership led by Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) with the expertise of Flughafen Zürich AG. The airport's development is also supported by significant road infrastructure projects, such as a 31-kilometer highway connecting it to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway.

05:06

📈 The Journey from Vision to Reality: Noida International Airport's Development

The script details the long and complex journey of Noida International Airport's development, which began with a vision in 2001. The project faced numerous obstacles, including location disputes and regulatory hurdles, before gaining momentum in 2014 with the BJP's federal victory. The airport's construction was officially approved in 2018, and by 2020, land acquisition for the first phase was completed. Zurich Airport AG was contracted to operate the airport, and by 2021, the master plan was approved. The foundation stone was laid in 2021, and by 2023, the airport received its IATA code, 'DXN'. The project is now in its final stages, with trial runs scheduled for June, and the airport is on track to commence operations by September 2024.

10:08

🚇 Enhancing Connectivity and Addressing Ecological Concerns

The script discusses plans to improve connectivity to Noida International Airport through the development of a Metro line and exploration of innovative transportation solutions like pod taxi systems. It also highlights the ecological challenges faced during the airport's construction, particularly the impact on the Dhanauri Wetlands. The environmental ministry has imposed conditions to protect the wetlands, but local environmental groups have expressed concerns about the lack of action to safeguard this critical ecosystem. The video concludes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on the airport's potential to elevate India's global travel standards and to stay tuned for more informative content.

Keywords

💡Air travel ecosystem

The term 'air travel ecosystem' refers to the comprehensive network of infrastructure, services, and regulations that support the aviation industry. In the context of the video, India's vast population necessitates a robust air travel ecosystem to meet the growing demand for travel. The video discusses India's initiative to build one of Asia's largest airports, which is a significant component of this ecosystem, highlighting the country's efforts to expand its aviation capacity.

💡Noida International Airport

Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is a key focus of the video. It is an upcoming airport near Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, India, designed to serve the National Capital Region and alleviate traffic at the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The airport is a symbol of India's push for greater global recognition and is part of a larger plan to enhance connectivity and accommodate the aspirations of its emerging middle class.

💡Public-Private Partnership (PPP)

A Public-Private Partnership (PPP) is a cooperative arrangement where the government and one or more private sector companies collaborate to finance, design, implement, and operate a service or facility. In the video, the development of Noida International Airport is being led through a PPP, with Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) representing the Uttar Pradesh government and Flughafen Zürich AG, the operator of Zurich Airport, securing the bid to build and operate the airport for 40 years.

💡National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of national highways in India. In the video, NHAI is constructing a 31-kilometer greenfield highway to connect the Noida International Airport to the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, emphasizing the importance of integrated transportation infrastructure to support the airport and enhance regional connectivity.

💡Expansion

The term 'expansion' in the video refers to the planned growth of the Noida International Airport over a 30-year period. Initially designed to handle 12 million passengers per year, the airport is expected to expand to accommodate up to 120 million passengers annually. This expansion is indicative of India's long-term vision to meet the increasing demand for air travel and position itself as a major player in the global aviation market.

💡Middle class

The 'emerging middle class' in India is a significant demographic that is driving the demand for improved air travel infrastructure. As the video explains, while air travel remains financially out of reach for most Indians, the growing middle class, consisting of executives, students, and engineers, requires efficient domestic and international travel options for business and leisure. The development of the Noida International Airport is a response to this demographic's aspirations.

💡Aviation boom

The 'aviation boom' mentioned in the video describes the rapid growth and investment in India's aviation sector. The country's leading airlines have ordered nearly 1,000 jets, signifying a major commitment to expanding air travel capabilities. This boom is part of India's broader economic development and its goal to enhance its global standing through improved transportation infrastructure.

💡Greenfield project

A 'greenfield project' is a term used to describe the construction of a new facility or development on previously undeveloped land. In the video, the Noida International Airport is referred to as a greenfield project, indicating that it is being built from the ground up on new land near Jewar. This type of project allows for modern, efficient design and construction, free from the constraints of existing infrastructure.

💡Right of First Refusal (RoFR)

The 'Right of First Refusal (RoFR)' is a contractual clause that gives a party the first opportunity to purchase or lease a property before it is offered to others. In the context of the video, GMR Group, the operator of Indira Gandhi International Airport, had a RoFR for any new airport within a 150 km radius. This clause complicated the initial development of the Noida International Airport, as it required GMR to be given the first opportunity to bid on the project.

💡Ecological concerns

The video highlights 'ecological concerns' related to the construction of the Noida International Airport, particularly regarding the Dhanauri Wetlands. These concerns involve the potential impact of the airport's development on the local ecosystem and the need for sustainable practices. The Indian environmental ministry has set conditions to protect the wetlands, emphasizing the balance between development and environmental preservation.

Highlights

India is constructing one of Asia's largest airports to meet the demand of nearly 1.4 billion people.

The new airport is expected to handle 12 million passengers per year initially and up to 120 million after expansion.

India's aviation sector is experiencing an unprecedented boom with orders for nearly 1,000 jets.

New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is on track to become the world's second busiest airport.

Air travel in India is a symbol of progress, with a focus on serving the emerging middle class.

Noida International Airport, also known as Jewar Airport, is designed to serve the National Capital Region.

The project is developed through a public-private partnership led by Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL).

Flughafen Zürich AG won the bid to build and operate the airport for 40 years, bringing international expertise.

The airport's initial phase will feature two runways, with plans to expand to an eight-runway facility.

The project has faced challenges, including objections from the operator of an existing airport and ecological concerns.

The airport is set to become the third commercial airport in the NCR, joining Indira Gandhi International and Hindon Airport.

The project received in-principle approval in 2018 and has seen significant progress since then.

Tata Projects Limited secured the civil construction contract, indicating strong progress in building infrastructure.

The airport received its official code 'DXN' from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2023.

Trial runs at the airport are scheduled to begin by the end of June, with 80% of phase one nearing completion.

The airport aims to handle up to 50 flights daily initially and is working on enhancing operational efficiency.

NOIDA International Airport Limited (NIAL) has utilized approximately INR 7,371.51 crore of the allocated budget.

The state government is exploring advanced transportation solutions like pod taxi systems and rapid rail corridors.

Ecological concerns have been raised regarding the Dhanauri Wetlands, with conditions set for protection during construction.

The ambitious project reflects India's aspirations for global travel standards and the need for sustainable development.

Transcripts

A country of nearly 1.4 billion people will  undoubtedly require a vast air travel ecosystem  

to meet the growing demand for Indians to  travel to places. This is one of the main  

reasons why India is building one of Asia's  largest airports, which is expected to be  

completed in 2024 and expanded further in the  coming years. Before we dive further, give this  

video a like and subscribe to the channel  to keep watching such informational videos.

How is India building this massive airport,  which is expected to handle 1.2 crore (12  

million) passengers per year initially and  up to 6-12 crore passengers per year after  

being expanded over a 30-year period? Wacht  the video till the end and let’s find out.

There’s no denying the fact that the  aviation landscape in India is soaring  

to new heights. No country is taking to  the skies quite like India. This year,  

its leading airlines have ordered nearly 1,000  jets, investing tens of billions of dollars in  

an unprecedented aviation boom. Meanwhile, New  Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport is set  

for a major milestone, preparing to accommodate  109 million passengers this year. It's on track  

to become the world’s second busiest airport,  right behind Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson.

And this surge is taking place  in a vast country that is still  

heavily reliant on trains, with 20  rail journeys for every 20 flights.

The massive expansion in aviation,  fueled by significant investment,  

is a key element in India’s push for greater  global recognition. As India rises through  

the ranks of the world's largest economies,  it is racing to meet the growing aspirations  

of its emerging middle class. Its airports  stand as highly visible symbols of progress.

Air travel remains financially out of reach for  most Indians, with only about 3 percent of the  

population flying regularly. However, in a nation  of 1.4 billion people, that still translates to  

42 million frequent flyers—executives, students,  and engineers who need to travel quickly within  

India and seek easier access to international  destinations for both business and leisure.

Owing to all this demand, India has come  up with a plan for the Noida International  

Airport, also known as Jewar Airport. It is an  exciting new development near Jewar in Gautam  

Buddha Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh. This  upcoming international airport is designed  

to serve the National Capital Region (NCR)  and is part of the new, planned YEIDA city.

Slated to relieve the heavy traffic at  Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi,  

Noida International is set to become  India’s, and even Asia’s, largest  

airport. The project is being developed  through a public-private partnership,  

with Noida International Airport Limited  (NIAL) leading the charge on behalf of the  

Uttar Pradesh government. In 2019, Flughafen  Zürich AG, the operator of Zurich Airport,  

secured the bid to build and operate  the airport for the next 40 years.

That’s not just it. India is also focusing on  building a strong road ecosystem to support the  

airport. The National Highways Authority of  India (NHAI) is constructing a 31-kilometer  

greenfield highway that will connect  the airport to Sector-65, Faridabad,  

on the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. The initial phase  of the airport will feature two runways by 2024,  

with plans to expand into a sprawling eight-runway  facility covering 7,200 acres. Initially,  

it will accommodate 12 million passengers  annually, with the capacity to handle up to  

120 million passengers per year over the next  30 years. This ambitious project will make it  

the third commercial airport in the NCR, joining  Indira Gandhi International and Hindon Airport.

The go-ahead to such a massive airport has not  been an easy task. In fact the plan has been in  

action for nearly two decades. In 2001, the vision  for a grand new airport project was unveiled by  

then Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Rajnath Singh.  Named the Taj International Aviation Hub (TIAH),  

this greenfield project was planned for  Jewar, near Greater Noida, alongside the  

Yamuna Expressway. By April 2003, the Central  Government had given the go-ahead, and the project  

was projected to cost around a whopping ₹5000  crores, with completion targeted for 2007-2008.

However, progress stalled during the UPA regime  due to the proximity of the proposed site to an  

existing greenfield airport in Delhi.  Located just 72 km from Indira Gandhi  

International Airport (IGI), the new airport  faced objections from IGI’s operator, GMR Group,  

which argued that another international airport  within 150 km would undermine traffic and revenue.  

GMR had a right of first refusal (RoFR) for any  new airport within this range, meaning they would  

have the first chance to bid on the project  if their bid was within 10% of the lowest bid.

When Akhilesh Yadav’s government  took office in Uttar Pradesh in 2012,  

they considered scrapping the Jewar project in  favour of a new airport in Agra. By June 2013,  

the state government had selected Kurrikupa  village near Hirangaon, Tundla in Firozabad  

district as the site. However, in January  2014, the Defence Ministry raised objections,  

prompting the government to allocate  land near Etmadpur in November 2014.

The project saw a revival in 2014 when the  Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power at  

the federal level, shifting focus back to Jewar.  In June 2015, the Civil Aviation Ministry approved  

the new airport to be built on 2,200 acres of  land. By July 2017, the Union Chief Secretary  

for Aviation urged the Uttar Pradesh government to  expedite planning, as Hisar Airport was also vying  

for approval to serve the NCR region, potentially  diluting the viability of both projects.

Finally, in May 2018, the Ministry of Civil  Aviation gave in-principle approval to the  

Uttar Pradesh government to build the airport,  marking a significant step in enhancing regional  

infrastructure and connectivity. Momentum picked up in 2019 with the  

commencement of land acquisition for phase  one, completed by 2020. This was a critical  

step in making the project a reality. Flughafen  Zürich AG (Zurich Airport AG) won the contract  

to develop and operate the airport for the  next 40 years, bringing their expertise to  

the project. Additionally, a tender was awarded  for a 760-meter road connecting the airport to the  

Yamuna Expressway, crucial for regional access. In 2021, the Airports Authority of India (AAI)  

approved the master plan. On November 25, Prime  Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone,  

symbolizing the official start of construction  under Zurich Airport AG’s guidance. By 2022,  

Tata Projects Limited secured the civil  construction contract, indicating strong  

progress in building the necessary infrastructure. In 2023, the airport received its official code,  

"DXN," from the International Air Transport  Association (IATA), marking its recognition  

in global aviation networks. This milestone  facilitated the airport's inclusion in airline  

schedules and logistics systems, setting  the stage for its operational readiness. 

From the initial approval in 2018 to  its international recognition in 2023,  

the project has seen significant collaboration  between government bodies, international partners,  

and domestic companies, driving this  ambitious endeavor towards completion. 

The authorities have given the latest update on  the project. Noida International Airport Limited  

(NIAL) have announced on March 19, that trial runs  at Jewar airport are scheduled to begin by the  

end of June. This significant milestone comes as  approximately 80% of phase one nears completion.

NIAL took centre stage during a recent gathering  with Uttar Pradesh officials and have given this  

update. Entrusted with the monumental task  of bringing this greenfield project to life,  

NIAL has provided a comprehensive  update on the project's progress.

Amidst discussions, insiders let  slip that the runway has reached  

completion—a pivotal moment in the airport's  development. Assurances were made to state  

authorities that within the next three  months, the remaining crucial facilities,  

including technical equipment,  would be seamlessly integrated.

CEO Arun Vir Singh, a figurehead in this ambitious  endeavor, has emphasized the team's unwavering  

dedication to meeting their objectives.  With a resolute gaze toward the future,  

Singh has pledged concerted efforts to kickstart  trial runs on the runway by late June or early  

July. Their ultimate aspiration? To soar into  operation by the close of September in 2024.

Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh has delivered  a comprehensive overview of the airport's  

advancements, shedding light on pivotal  milestones. With confidence, he has declared that  

they have successfully established the critical  Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure. By July,  

the airport will boast two state-of-the-art  radars, enhancing operational efficiency  

significantly. Initially, the airport is  poised to handle up to 50 flights daily.

In terms of financial management, NIAL disclosed  that roughly INR 7,371.51 crore of the allocated  

INR 10,056 crore budget has been utilized  for the greenfield airport's construction.

In an effort to transform connectivity, the  state government has directed local agencies,  

including the Yamuna Expressway Industrial  Development Authority (Yeida) and NIAL,  

to lead the development of a Metro line connecting  the Noida airport to Delhi and the larger National  

Capital Region. Yeida has already used the  Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's expertise to  

create a comprehensive project report, which will  serve as the foundation for a feasibility study.

But that's not all. Officials have also revealed  that beyond Metro and road connectivity endeavors,  

the state is delving into avant-garde  transportation solutions. Ideas like a pod  

taxi system and a rapid rail corridor are being  explored, all with the singular aim of seamlessly  

integrating the airport with the bustling expanse  of the NCR region. These visionary plans promise  

not just enhanced accessibility but a glimpse  into the future of interconnected travel.

Yet, amid the excitement, some ecological  concerns have emerged. India’s environmental  

ministry set conditions for protecting the  Dhanauri Wetlands as part of the approval  

process. These conditions included creating  buffer zones and ensuring minimal disruption  

to the local flora and fauna. Despite this,  the Uttar Pradesh government has taken no  

steps to designate the wetlands as a Ramsar  Site, a status that would offer international  

protection and recognition. Furthermore,  land allocation by YEIDA for construction  

has reduced the wetland area, putting it at risk.  Local environmental groups have raised alarms,  

calling for immediate action to prevent  irreversible damage to this vital ecosystem.

This blend of visionary planning  and ecological challenge sets the  

stage for Noida International Airport's journey,  

reflecting both India's soaring ambitions and  the critical need for sustainable development.

Do you think that this ambitious airport  will help India’s aspiration to set notable  

global travel standards? Let us know  your thoughts in the comments below.  

If you found this video interesting,  give it a like and subscribe to our  

channel. Thanks for watching! We will be back  again with another informational video soon.