Noida Airport’s Potential Challenge to Delhi IGIA: What You Need to Know

Delhi’s aviation landscape is on the verge of a significant transformation. Noida, a burgeoning city in Uttar Pradesh, is set to become a new hub for air travel. The construction of an airport in Noida is well underway and poses a substantial challenge to the established Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in Delhi.

The allure of Noida Airport lies in its potential to offer lower ticket prices, a key factor that’s expected to draw travelers away from Delhi. Noida Airport’s strategic location, a mere 72 kilometers from Delhi Airport, promises a cost-saving advantage. It’s anticipated that ticket rates at Noida could be 10% to 15% lower than those at Delhi Airport, making air travel more affordable for passengers. For instance, a flight ticket from Delhi to Lucknow costs around Rs. 3,500, while from Noida, it’s only Rs. 2,800. The farther the destination, the greater the potential for reduced ticket prices, making Noida an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers.

The Uttar Pradesh government’s strategic decision to exempt VAT for airline turbine fuel adds to the airport’s appeal. Although this VAT exemption may lead to a revenue loss, the authorities believe it can be offset by an increase in passenger numbers. The construction company responsible for the Noida Airport is optimistic about recovering its investment within six years.

The completion of the airport is expected by February, with services commencing in October. On the inaugural day, an impressive 65 flights are projected to take off. Situated in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, on a sprawling 1,334-hectare site, the airport is strategically located 40 kilometers from Noida and 130 kilometers from Agra, positioning it as a convenient choice for travelers in the region. Additionally, plans are underway to connect Noida Airport to the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi through a metro rail system. This development heralds a new era in the region’s air travel landscape, with Noida Airport poised to challenge the dominance of Delhi’s IGIA.