This Indian State is Set to Make History Being the First to House Five International Airports
India’s aviation sector is soaring to new heights, and Uttar Pradesh is leading the charge. The state is on the verge of becoming the first in India to boast five international airports, with the Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar nearing completion. This milestone not only underscores Uttar Pradesh’s growing prominence in air travel but also highlights its commitment to boosting regional connectivity and economic development.
A Transformative Journey in Aviation
Until 2012, Uttar Pradesh had just two international airports—Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow and Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Varanasi. Over the past decade, the state has witnessed a remarkable transformation.
Here’s the list of 5 international airports in Uttar Pradesh:
Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow – Operational since before 2012, serving as a key aviation hub in the state.
Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi – Operational since before 2012, enhancing connectivity to the spiritual and cultural city.
Kushinagar International Airport – Inaugurated in 2021, primarily catering to Buddhist tourism.
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya – Launched in 2023, boosting religious and cultural tourism.
Noida International Airport, Jewar – Set to open in 2024, becoming the fifth international airport and a major game-changer for regional connectivity.
Noida International Airport: A Game-Changer
The Noida International Airport is not just another airport—it’s a game-changer for Indian aviation. Designed to complement the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) in Delhi, it aims to ease congestion and enhance regional connectivity.
Spanning 1,334 hectares, the Noida International Airport will be the largest in India. In its first phase, it will handle 12 million passengers annually and manage 250,000 tonnes of cargo, strengthening India’s supply chain capabilities. The airport will also support 100,000 aircraft movements each year, featuring a state-of-the-art terminal spread over 100,000 square meters and 28 aircraft stands. Additionally, a 40-acre Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility is under development, positioning the airport as a hub for aviation services.
Economic and Tourism Boost
With five international airports, Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a major gateway for trade, tourism, and business. The improved air connectivity is expected to attract significant investments, create employment opportunities, and spur regional development.
The Noida International Airport, in particular, is set to play a pivotal role in transforming the region into a global logistics and trade hub. Its strategic location near Delhi and its world-class infrastructure will not only benefit domestic travelers but also enhance India’s connectivity with international markets.
A New Chapter in India’s Aviation Story
The completion of the Noida International Airport marks a significant step in India’s infrastructure development. It reflects the country’s ambition to enhance global connectivity and drive economic growth. As Uttar Pradesh prepares to make history, the state’s aviation success story serves as a model for other regions aiming to boost connectivity and development.
