Noida International Airport takes off, but the journey to Jewar remains a work in progress
Two-and-a-half months after flights began, the new airport offers a smooth terminal experience, but patchy public transport, high travel costs and a still-developing ecosystem are shaping how passengers and staff use it
About 70 kilometers from central Delhi, Yamuna Expressway leads to Noida International Airport in Jewar. Residential towers, warehouses, and commercial projects line the roadside, signaling new development around the airport. Inside, the terminal is spacious and orderly while unfinished land near the glass windows highlights the airport's ongoing development.
Two-and-a-half months after commercial flights began on June 15, the contrast between the smooth airport and ongoing construction remains evident. The airport spans 1,334 hectares in Uttar Pradesh's Gautam Buddha Nagar district and currently operates its first phase, connecting around 15 cities with three to 35 flights per day.
For residents of Noida and Greater Noida, the airport has cut travel times. However, for many in Delhi, the journey remains a trade-off due to cab fares and lack of direct public transport. Passengers often use autorickshaws and cabs, with fares ranging from ₹1,200 to ₹3,500 depending on the origin. Airport authorities have partnered with public transport services like the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation and Haryana Roadways, and are exploring additional connections with the Delhi Transport Corporation.
While the airport has brought benefits to employees, it has also increased personal costs for some, as they invest more in housing and transportation to reach their workplaces. The airport's presence is already transforming the economic landscape around Jewar, with property values in Greater Noida increasing significantly.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
