Noida International Airport has begun operations at a slower pace than initially projected, with geopolitical tensions and disruption across parts of the international aviation network weighing on its early growth.
The airport has also recorded an initial financial loss of about ₹28.3 crore, although operator Zurich Airport International AG has maintained confidence in the project’s long-term expansion and the eventual introduction of international services. Commercial operations at the airport began on June 15. In the first 15 days of June, the airport handled 204 flight movements and about 25,000 passengers. Activity increased sharply in July, when flight movements rose to 1,044 and passenger traffic reached 77,204.
Despite the improvement, the operator expects growth to remain slower than originally anticipated in the near term. The airport’s early operating phase has coincided with a difficult period for global aviation, particularly because of geopolitical instability in West Asia.
Geopolitical tensions slow early expansion
The airport operator has cited prevailing geopolitical conditions as a challenge in its investment presentation, while continuing to express confidence in the airport’s long-term development. Tensions in West Asia have forced several airlines to alter international networks and flight schedules. The closure of Pakistani airspace has also affected international flights from India heading westward. Air India Express has not started the operations it had proposed from Noida airport.
The airport is currently connected to 17 domestic routes through IndiGo and Akasa Air. The operator expects the domestic network to expand further before international services begin. The slower initial ramp-up, officials indicated, does not mean expansion has stopped. Instead, growth is taking place at a more gradual pace than had initially been expected.
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Airport records about ₹28.3 crore initial loss
The slower operating build-up has also created financial pressure during the airport’s opening phase. According to Zurich Airport’s investment presentation, the airport generated revenue of 2.5 million Swiss francs, about ₹29.5 crore, during the first half of 2026. Operating expenses stood at 4.9 million Swiss francs, about ₹57.9 crore. Before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, the airport recorded a loss of 2.4 million Swiss francs, equivalent to roughly ₹28.3 crore.
The airport’s initial passenger capacity is stated at 1.2 crore passengers annually. Under the master plan, it is intended to be developed further to handle more than 70 million passengers. The pace at which international flights and additional domestic routes are added is expected to be important not only for the airport’s finances but also for the surrounding economy.
International services remain part of long-term plan
The operator has maintained that international connectivity remains part of the airport’s future plans. It is continuing to work with airline partners to expand routes in line with operational plans and passenger demand.
The airport’s gradual growth is also expected to influence airport-linked businesses in Jewar. Rising passenger volumes could support activity in hotels, restaurants, parking, logistics and other services around the airport.
Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd said its focus as the newly operational airport develops is on maintaining stable and reliable operations while increasing air connectivity in a phased manner.
The company said it is working continuously with airline partners so that routes can be expanded according to operational plans and demand. It also said the long-term prospects of the Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh aviation market remain strong, keeping its broader outlook for the airport unchanged.
