Noida International Airport (NIA) has achieved a remarkable feat with the successful validation flight carried out on December 9, 2024. This essential phase in the aerodrome licensing process was observed by Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation. The IndiGo flight on an Airbus A-320 evaluated the airport’s navigational systems and approach methods, verifying compliance with the top operational and safety standards essential for commercial flights.
“This achievement demonstrates the commitment and careful organization that has been invested in making sure the airport is prepared for commercial activities.” “We are eager to greet passengers shortly,” said Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of NIA.
The validation flight evaluated the Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach procedures, confirming accurate navigation and safety. In October 2024, the Airports Authority of India calibrated the ILS and Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) systems, establishing the foundation for these thorough trials.
Bryan Thomas, News X correspondent, captured exclusive visuals of the validation flight taking off. Speaking to him, Dhirender Singh, Member of legislative assembly from Jewar, expressed immense pride: “It is a remarkable feat and a dream come true for us. The airport will bring significant revenue and job opportunities.”
Former Civil Aviation Minister and Minister of Parliament Mahesh Sharma, also present, said exclusively to Bryan Thomas, “As someone who has seen this project from inception, I feel proud to witness this historic moment.”
Located in Jewar, NIA is designed to handle 12 million passengers annually in Phase 1, scaling to 70 million after Phase 4. Its vision integrates Swiss efficiency and Indian hospitality, offering seamless travel experiences and cutting-edge digital services. With commercial operations slated to begin in April 2025.
