The Uttar Pradesh state government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, moved to rename the newly built Noida International Airport as the ‘Narendra Modi International Airport.’ The approval came from the UP cabinet as a gesture of thanks for the prime minister’s role in the airport’s development. In a press conference held in Lucknow, Adityanath framed the move as an expression of gratitude, saying the airport was a gift from Modi to the state.
The airport sits in Jewar, a locality in Uttar Pradesh. Once operational, it will be the largest airport in the state and the second international airport serving the National Capital Region, coming after the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. This positioning gives the facility a strategic role in the air traffic network surrounding the capital.
Even before regular flights begin, the airfield is equipped with advanced navigation aids. Instrument Landing Systems are installed at both ends of the runway, allowing aircraft to approach and land safely in poor visibility or adverse weather. This technology helps the airport handle adverse weather and ensure safe operations.
On June 15, 2025, an IndiGo aircraft departing from Lucknow made the inaugural landing at the Noida airport.
On June 15, 2025, an IndiGo aircraft departing from Lucknow made the inaugural landing at the Noida airport. The touchdown marked the first time a commercial flight had used the new runway, providing an early validation of the airfield’s readiness despite the scheduled start of commercial services still being months away.
Although the test flight took place in mid‑2025, operations were scheduled to begin in March 2026.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath spoke about the airport’s future potential, declaring that it would become one of the largest aviation hubs in the country. He also expressed gratitude to the prime minister, calling the airport a gift from Modi to Uttar Pradesh.
With the naming approved, the first flight completed, and the infrastructure in place, the Noida International Airport awaits the commencement of scheduled operations in March 2026. Once active, it is poised to serve as a key gateway for the National Capital Region, expanding air travel options and reinforcing Uttar Pradesh’s role in India’s civil aviation landscape.