New Delhi Welcomes Second International Airport
On Saturday, India celebrated the opening of its second international airport in New Delhi as part of a larger effort to expand its aviation sector. The new Noida International Airport is located 75 kilometers (45 miles) from the city center and is set to accommodate 12 million passengers annually in its initial phase, with plans to eventually handle up to 70 million.
In addition to passenger flights, the airport will also focus on cargo operations, with the potential for future expansion.
India’s booming economy and its population of 1.4 billion have positioned the country to become the fourth-largest air market in the world, covering both domestic and international travel.
The airport was officially opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a ceremony in Jewar, located in Uttar Pradesh, which is the most populous state in India with around 243 million residents. Modi expressed his belief that the airport would serve as a vital gateway for the Greater Delhi area, stating that once fully operational, flights could depart every two minutes.
“The airport will enhance economic growth in western Uttar Pradesh, opening up new avenues for farmers, small businesses, and young people,” Modi commented.
The Noida airport will work alongside the existing Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is just 15 kilometers (nine miles) from the city center. According to Modi’s office, the two airports will create an integrated aviation system that alleviates congestion, increases passenger capacity, and establishes the Delhi National Capital Region as a key player in global aviation.
Since Prime Minister Modi took office in 2014, improving the air transport sector has been a key focus, leading to a campaign to enhance air connectivity between smaller towns and major cities. The number of airports in India has significantly increased over the past ten years, rising from 74 in 2014 to an expected 157 by 2024, according to the aviation ministry.
