Uttar Pradesh is preparing for a major leap in aviation connectivity. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the much-awaited Noida International Airport at Jewar will be inaugurated in January 2026, marking a key milestone in the state’s infrastructure journey.
The announcement came during the final day of the Winter Session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. The chief minister said the Jewar airport will become the fifth international airport in the state and also the largest in India once operational.
The project, delayed multiple times, is now positioned as a game-changer for western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.
Jewar International Airport Launch: What to Expect in January 2026
The Noida International Airport at Jewar is expected to begin operations in January 2026 with passenger flights and modern terminal facilities. The first phase will handle limited traffic, with capacity expanding in later stages.
Once fully developed, the airport will become India’s largest and ease pressure on Delhi’s IGI Airport. Authorities are completing final safety checks and trial runs, while airlines have shown interest due to Jewar’s strategic location near Delhi-NCR.
CM Yogi Adityanath on Jewar Airport Timeline
Highlighting the pace of development, Adityanath compared the present situation with the state of aviation before 2017. “Before 2017, there were very few airports in UP. Two of them were operational while the other two were partially functional. Today, 16 airports are functional.
Out of these, four are international airports, and the fifth international airport, which will be India’s largest, will be made operational in Jewar next month. This is the speed of Uttar Pradesh,” he said in the Assembly. The chief minister credited policy reforms and focused governance for the rapid expansion.
Why Noida International Airport Matters?
The Jewar airport is expected to ease pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. It will also serve as a major transit hub for northern India. Experts say the airport will boost tourism, trade, and cargo movement.
It will also attract global investment and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. Once fully developed, the airport will handle large passenger volumes and international cargo operations.
Project Details and Delays Explained
The Noida International Airport is a greenfield project being developed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model. It is located in Jewar, Gautam Buddh Nagar district.
The first phase covers nearly 1,300 hectares. Authorities initially planned operations to begin in September 2024, but the project missed several deadlines due to construction and regulatory challenges. Despite delays, the government now signals firm readiness for a January 2026 opening.
UP’s Transport Boom Beyond Airports
Yogi Adityanath also highlighted broader infrastructure growth across Uttar Pradesh. He said the state now holds a significant share of India’s expressway network. Rail connectivity has expanded.
Metro services have grown in major cities. Inter-state road links have improved. This integrated transport push aims to support industrial growth and urban expansion.
What Comes Next for Jewar Airport?
In the coming months, final construction work, safety checks, and trial runs will determine readiness. Authorities expect passenger services to begin soon after the inauguration.
For residents, businesses, and travellers, the airport promises faster connectivity and economic momentum. As Uttar Pradesh positions itself as a logistics and investment hub, Jewar Airport stands at the centre of that ambition.