Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the first phase of the Noida International Airport on March 28, 2026, marking a key milestone for India’s aviation and infrastructure push. The airport, popularly known as Jewar Airport due to its proximity to the town of Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, is seen as a trigger for a structural shift in the National Capital Region’s (NCR) travel landscape. 

Industry experts believe the new aviation hub could position Noida as the next major property hotspot, driven by improved connectivity and large-scale infrastructure development. Scheduled operations by domestic carriers are expected to reduce congestion at Indira Gandhi International Airport while strengthening regional air links. 

Airlines announced plans to operate flights  

Some of India’s leading airlines — IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express — have announced plans to operate flights from the airport. Initial routes are expected to connect key metro cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, with potential expansion to Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, and Goa. However, detailed schedules are yet to be disclosed. 

Among the largest Indian airports 

Developed by the Uttar Pradesh government in partnership with Zurich Airport International AG, the project is estimated to cost around ₹30,000 crore. Once fully completed, it is expected to be among India’s largest aviation infrastructure projects, featuring five runways and an annual passenger handling capacity of up to 300 million. The first phase will accommodate over 12 million passengers annually with one runway and one terminal. 

A catalyst for economic activity 

Beyond aviation, the airport is expected to act as a catalyst for economic activity. Large infrastructure projects typically attract investments, accelerate urban development, and push up land values in surrounding areas. Past trends offer clear parallels. The expansion of Delhi’s IGI Airport drove price appreciation in Dwarka and Aerocity, while Kempegowda International Airport spurred the emergence of North Bengaluru as a business and logistics hub. Similarly, the Yamuna Expressway had already triggered early land price gains in Greater Noida and nearby regions.