NOIDA- The Noida International Airport (DXN) project has encountered yet another setback, with officials confirming it will miss its third scheduled launch deadline of May 15.
The terminal’s incomplete construction has pushed back domestic operations, with full functionality now unlikely before July 2025.
Noida Airport Launch Delayed
Originally slated to open on September 29, 2024, the airport’s launch was first rescheduled to April 17, 2025, and then to May 15 for domestic flights with international services to follow on June 25. These continual delays have resulted in financial penalties for the project developers.
The Uttar Pradesh government has imposed a daily fine of Rs 10 lakh on concessionaire Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) since January 1 for failing to meet contractual timelines.
Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh conducted a site inspection on Tuesday, meeting with representatives from YIAPL, Tata Projects Limited, and Noida International Airport Limited.
Singh will chair a stakeholder meeting to establish new timelines and must submit a comprehensive status report within 15 days.
Construction and Regulatory Challenges
As of March 10, the project had achieved only 80% physical completion. While runway and airside infrastructure neared 90% completion and were expected to be ready by April, the terminal building construction lagged significantly behind schedule.
The terminal requires substantial work, with roofing and interior construction still ongoing. Water and sewage treatment facilities stand at just 40% completion, while the commissioning of CNS/ATM systems by the Airports Authority of India has been delayed until April 30.
Beyond construction delays, the airport faces significant regulatory challenges. The crucial aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) remains pending.
The AAI has indicated that only limited Air Traffic Control functionality could be demonstrated for DGCA inspection after April 30. Meanwhile, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has raised concerns about safety documentation, stating it would require at least 45 days after compliance to grant security clearance.
Operational Alternatives
During a March 5 review meeting, DGCA representatives outlined 3 potential operational approaches: initiating cargo-only operations by May 15, partially opening for passenger services using completed terminal sections, or waiting until Phase 1 is fully complete.
The project now stands more than a year behind its original schedule, reflecting the complex challenges of developing major infrastructure in the region.
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