The dream of flights taking off from Noida International Airport this year remains unfulfilled. Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) announced on Monday that due to delays in construction, it will take an additional seven months to commence flight operations. Flights from the airport are now expected to begin by the end of April 2025.
Progress and Challenges
The construction and development work at Noida International Airport is in advanced stages. The project is complex, and the next few weeks are critical for its completion. Significant progress has been made on the runway, passenger terminal, and control tower. Recently, contracts for ground handling, commercial operations, and maintenance have been signed.
Project Deadlines and Penalties
Completion Deadline: According to the contract between Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL) and YIAPL, the first phase of the airport, covering 1,334 hectares, was to be completed by September 29, 2024. The phase is expected to handle 12 million passengers annually.
Penalties for Delays: NIAL has imposed a daily penalty of ₹10 lakh for any delays beyond September 29. The government has been notified of this decision. Despite a provision for a three-month grace period, NIAL is preparing to take action against YIAPL for delays.
Commercial Construction Issues
Unauthorized Construction: The CEO of NIAL, Dr. Arunveer Singh, stated that YIAPL is prioritizing the construction of commercial buildings, such as a cargo hub and a hotel, without proper approvals. Notices have been issued to halt these constructions. If ignored, strict action will be taken against YIAPL.
Cargo Hub: YIAPL is constructing a cargo hub on 80 acres of land. Due to the fact that NIAL did not approve of these constructions, they are illegal. The company has been instructed to cease these activities immediately.
Future Prospects
The completion and operationalization of the Noida International Airport are eagerly awaited, with multiple airlines having signed agreements to operate from the new airport. Despite the delays, efforts are being made to expedite the remaining construction work to meet the new operational target of April 2025.
Important Dates and Milestones:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| September 29, 2024 | Initial deadline for the first phase completion. |
| April 2025 | Expected start of flight operations. |
