DELHI- Noida International Airport, Jewar (DXN) is facing renewed regulatory scrutiny after aviation security authorities flagged violations linked to its top leadership.
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security has raised concerns over the appointment of a foreign national as CEO, citing mandatory security norms that apply to greenfield airports in India.
Noida International Airport CEO Violation
At a recent high-level meeting attended by the civil aviation minister, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security formally flagged that the chief executive officer of Noida International Airport is a foreign national.
This, according to BCAS, violates established aviation security rules that mandate Indian nationality for CEOs of greenfield airports.
The issue is not limited to nationality alone. Neither the CEO nor the chief operating officer has yet received mandatory security clearance from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, nor have they completed BCAS vetting. These approvals are compulsory for airport executives handling sensitive operational and security responsibilities, the Hindustan Times exclusively reported.
What the Aviation Security Rules Require
Under aviation security regulations issued by BCAS in January 2011, every greenfield airport in India must appoint an Indian national as CEO.
The designated CEO also serves as the airport’s security coordinator and is responsible for implementing all aviation security measures as per BCAS instructions.
The MHA clearance grants approval for access to sensitive roles, while BCAS vetting ensures compliance with aviation security and operational requirements. Without both approvals, airport executives cannot legally discharge their duties.
Officials familiar with the matter confirmed that the violation was identified nearly two years ago. A show-cause notice was issued to the airport operator for non-compliance, but no corrective action followed.
Project Background and Management Structure
Noida International Airport is being developed in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, as the National Capital Region’s second major airport after Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The project was awarded in October 2020 to Zurich Airport International AG.
The Swiss operator is developing and managing the airport through its Indian subsidiary, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, under a 40-year public-private partnership. The project is overseen on behalf of the Uttar Pradesh government by Noida International Airport Limited, a state-owned special purpose vehicle.
The airport’s operations are currently led by CEO Christoph Schnellmann, a Swiss national, who is at the center of the regulatory dispute.
Delays Extend Operational Timeline
Officials confirmed that Noida International Airport has issued a Notice to Air Missions extending the airport’s unavailability for operations until January 31, 2026. The notice was issued on December 12, indicating that commercial operations are unlikely to begin before February.
The airport has already missed at least three operational deadlines. It was originally scheduled to open in September 2024.
Beyond leadership-related issues, the airport is yet to receive its aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The licence certifies compliance with safety and operational standards and is mandatory before passenger operations can begin.
Technical Safety Concerns Add to Challenges
BCAS has also raised technical concerns related to flight safety infrastructure. The Airports Authority of India flagged a steel wall constructed near the Doppler Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range system.
The DVOR provides aircraft with critical bearing information during approach and departure. Officials stated that the steel structure could interfere with signal accuracy, potentially affecting aircraft landing and takeoff operations.
BCAS has asked the airport operator to replace the makeshift steel wall with a permanent structure that meets safety norms.
Airport Operator Response
A spokesperson for Noida International Airport stated that the project continues to make progress toward operational readiness.
The operator said it is working closely with DGCA and BCAS to complete aerodrome licensing and security-related clearances.
The spokesperson emphasized that safety and security remain non-negotiable priorities and that all regulatory requirements will be met in line with national standards.
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