GURUGRAM- India’s largest low-cost carrier IndiGo Airlines (6E) has reached a major milestone in enhancing India’s airport infrastructure. The airline successfully completed simulator validation for Draft RNP approaches at Noida Airport and Navi Mumbai Airport.
These developments aim to ease congestion at two of the country’s busiest airports—Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM)—by providing alternative options, thereby boosting operational efficiency and improving connectivity for passengers.
IndiGo Pilots Simulation Training
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approved the procedures for simulator validation, while the Airports Authority of India (AAI) played a pivotal role in designing the approaches. IndiGo expressed gratitude to these organizations for their support in achieving this progress.
SURINDER (SPS Narli), Director of Air Traffic Management at IndiGo Airlines, highlighted this achievement on LinkedIn, drawing praise from colleagues.
One commenter congratulated the team, noting that the validation reduces the workload on the Flight Inspection Unit (FIU) and enhances safety measures. They added that these advancements are expected to transition to live operations shortly.
Surinder Sir reiterated its commitment to strengthening aviation infrastructure and thanked its leadership, including Capt. Ashim Mittra and Mr. Aakash Bhatnagar, for their unwavering support in this endeavor. These efforts reflect IndiGo’s dedication to driving innovation and safety in the aviation sector.
Noida Airport Progress
Noida International Airport (NIA) is set to play a pivotal role in Indian aviation, offering international connections to Zurich (ZRH), Singapore (SIN), and Dubai (DXB) through carriers like Lufthansa (LH) and Singapore Airlines (SQ). These links aim to strengthen India’s global connectivity. Domestically, NIA will serve 25 routes, connecting key cities and positioning Noida as a critical travel hub.
Located in Jewar, western Uttar Pradesh, Noida Airport (DXN) will begin the second phase of trial operations on November 15. This phase, lasting until December 15, will include daily flights operated by Akasa Air (QP), IndiGo (6E), and potentially Air India (AI), as confirmed by Arun Veer Singh, CEO of Noida International Airport Limited.
Singh stated that the testing phase would run for one month, after which data will be uploaded to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) website on December 20. The airport will then apply for aerodrome licensing, a critical step towards operational readiness. The DGCA will review this data to assess the airport’s compliance, with licensing expected by March 20, 2025.
Commercial operations are slated to begin on April 17, 2025, if all milestones are met. On its opening day, NIA plans to handle 30 flights, comprising 25 domestic flights, three international flights, and two cargo operations.
The initial international destinations will include Zurich, Singapore, and Dubai. Domestic flights will connect Noida to major cities like Lucknow, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Dehradun, with the final route list still being finalized.
Navi Mumbai Airport Update
Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), the second international airport for Mumbai, is being developed by Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL). AAHL currently manages and develops eight airports across India.
The airport spans a fixed site of 1,160 hectares, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying its foundation stone on February 18, 2018. Construction officially began in August 2021.
The airport’s development follows a phased approach, featuring two parallel runways, four terminals, a dedicated cargo terminal, a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) zone, General Aviation hangars, and provisions for corporate and residential buildings.
On October 11, 2024, the Indian Air Force’s Airbus C295 aircraft achieved an important milestone by making the first landing on NMIA’s Southern Runway (RY08/26), signaling progress in the airport’s readiness.
NMIA plans to begin domestic operations by March 2025, with international services set to follow by June 2025.
Feature Image by Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanes
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