International passenger operations by this year end is one of our key focus areas: Noida Int'l Airport CEO Nitu Samra

Noida International Airport has registered a three-fold jump in the traffic since it commenced operations in June this year. Slowly but steadily, the airport is gathering traction in the region. It is now gearing up for international operations, among other multiple initiatives. In a detailed interview with Fortune India, Nitu Samra, CEO, Noida International Airport, outlines the growth plan, current challenges and how the airport plans to become and economic engine for the region in the coming years.

Q. Noida International Airport commenced commercial operations on 15 June 2026 with IndiGo and Akasa Air, targeting rapid network expansion to around 20 destinations and 4.5–5 million passengers in the first financial year. The traffic figures have shown growth (25,000 passengers in June to 77,000 in July) but it is lower than earlier expectations/projections. What are the possible reasons?

Answer: As a newly launched airport, the initial months are focused on establishing sustainable demand, optimizing operations and supporting airlines as they expand their networks.

Growth is influenced by several factors, including the pace of airline deployment, route maturity and passenger travel patterns. We started with five destinations in June and are now connected to fifteen destinations with a total of thirty-five flights daily on average. Even at the early stage, NIA serves one of the largest population and economic catchments in the country, offering significant long-term growth potential. 

As airlines continue to strengthen their presence at Noida International Airport, we expect to see a steady increase in destinations, frequencies and passenger volumes in the coming months, particularly during the winter schedule. Our focus remains on delivering a safe, seamless and reliable passenger experience while building a strong foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.

Q. So, how is the airport planning to enhance footfalls, and ensuring aviation demand from the airport?

Answer: Network planning and capacity deployment remain commercial decisions taken independently by airlines, based on factors such as fleet availability, market demand, operational considerations and broader industry conditions.

NIA’s role is to create a compelling operating environment through world-class infrastructure, efficient airport operations, competitive facilities and access to a large and growing catchment area across Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states.

Since commencing operations, NIA has remained actively engaged with domestic and international airlines to explore opportunities for expanding connectivity and services from the airport.

As passenger demand continues to build and airlines evaluate new network opportunities, we expect additional routes, frequencies and carriers to be progressively added to the airport’s network.

Alongside network expansion, strengthening ground connectivity and delivering seamless passenger experience will remain key priorities in supporting sustained demand for travel through NIA.

Q. International services were projected to begin by the end of 2026, with the international terminal nearing completion and BCAS security checks expected to start soon (potentially from October). What is the current timeline and priority destinations?

Answer: Our focus remains on commencing international passenger operations by the end of 2026 as part of our phased growth strategy. Since the commencement of domestic operations, our priority has been to further strengthen operational processes, passenger services and airline partnerships while completing the necessary preparations for international services.

We are working closely with relevant authorities and airline partners to support this next phase of growth. As with domestic operations, the pace and scope of international expansion will be guided by regulatory approvals, market demand and the network plans of our airline partners.

Q. What are the regulatory, infrastructure, or airline partnership steps which are yet to be taken up for commencement of international operations?

Answer: We are engaging actively with several carriers across key aviation markets, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia, which represent strong demand corridors for travellers from northern India. However, airline route announcements are made independently by the respective carriers once their commercial and operational planning is finalised. It would therefore be premature to comment on specific airlines, destinations or launch timelines at this stage.

We are confident by the level of interest and engagement with prospective airline partners as well as passenger demands and will share details as and when formal announcements are made. Our focus remains on developing a strong and diverse international network that serves the needs of passengers.

Q. How do you view the competitive dynamics with IGI—particularly on fares, connectivity, passenger experience, and surface access—and what strategies are being worked out.

Answer: Noida International Airport has been developed with a vision to serve one of India's fastest-growing aviation markets and to complement the existing airport infrastructure in the National Capital Region. We remain committed to providing a high-quality gateway that improves overall capacity, connectivity, and passenger choice across the region.

Our focus remains on delivering a safe, efficient, and seamless travel experience while supporting the growing mobility needs of the region. Our priority is to build a strong network of airline services, offer convenient multimodal connectivity and ensure a smooth passenger journey from doorstep to destination.

We continue to work closely with airline partners, mobility providers and public transport authorities to enhance accessibility and strengthen regional connections. At the same time, we remain focused on delivering a modern, digitally enabled and customer-centric airport experience that meets the evolving expectations of travellers.

Q. Commuting to the airport is still a big issue. What steps are being planned to ensure seamless connectivity to the airport?

Answer: At Noida International Airport (NIA), seamless connectivity extends beyond the terminal. Recognizing that the airport journey begins before passengers arrive and continues after they land, NIA has developed an extensive ground transportation network that provides convenient, reliable and sustainable access across the National Capital Region and neighbouring states.

Passengers can choose from a range of 24x7 mobility options, including an electric airport taxi fleet operated by Mahindra Logistics, ride-hailing services such as Uber, Ola, Rapido and MakeMyTrip, and chauffeur-driven rentals from Mann Fleet, ensuring connectivity across NCR and beyond.

These services are complemented by expanding public transport links. Through partnerships with state transport authorities, NIA is connected to major cities across Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi. UPSRTC services link the airport to destinations including Agra, Mathura, Vrindavan, Meerut, Aligarh and Moradabad, while Haryana Roadways currently serves Faridabad and Palwal, with further expansion planned based on demand.

For passengers travelling to and from Delhi, DTC's electric bus network will provide direct connectivity to key transport hubs, including Kashmere Gate ISBT, Anand Vihar ISBT and New Delhi Railway Station.

A key element of NIA's strategy is the dedicated Atal Seva AC Electric Bus service linking the airport with the UPSRTC Sector 35 (Morna) Bus Depot in Noida, one of western Uttar Pradesh's largest intercity transport hubs. This enables seamless onward travel to destinations such as Lucknow, Kanpur, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Haridwar and Dehradun through a single connection.

Additionally, NIA has partnered with redBus to provide access to premium intercity coach services. Through digital booking and live-tracking capabilities, passengers can conveniently reserve travel to destinations including Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Manali and Shimla, supporting a seamless door-to-door travel experience.

Q. Looking ahead to Phase 2 and cargo growth, how do you see NIA catalyzing industrial, real estate, and logistics investment in the Yamuna Expressway region, and what milestones will define success over the next 3–5 years?

Answer: Noida International Airport is more than an aviation hub; it is a key enabler of economic growth across the region. By enhancing connectivity for people and goods, the airport is helping unlock opportunities for industrial development, logistics, manufacturing, tourism, and real estate, while strengthening the region's attractiveness as an investment destination.

With significant infrastructure development underway, including improved road networks and connectivity projects, we are already seeing the foundations being laid for a well-connected economic corridor. As cargo operations expand and future phases of the airport are developed, NIA is expected to further support the growth of manufacturing and logistics clusters by providing efficient access to domestic and international markets.

Over the next 3-5 years, success will be defined by several milestones: continued growth in passenger and cargo traffic, expansion of airline connectivity, development of a robust cargo ecosystem, and the emergence of complementary commercial, industrial and logistics investments in the airport's wider catchment area. Equally important will be the airport's ability to create employment opportunities, improve regional accessibility and contribute to the long-term economic development of western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.

Our focus remains on building a world-class airport that not only delivers a seamless travel experience but also serves as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and regional development.