Rs 750 Crore Allocated for Noida International Airport Expansion

• Rs 700 crore allocated for land acquisition in Phase 3 and 4

• Airport capacity projected to reach 70 million passengers annually

• Terminal and runway complete; awaiting DGCA aerodrome licence

Noida: The Uttar Pradesh government has made a significant push toward accelerating the expansion of the Noida International Airport by allocating Rs 750 crore in the 2026-27 state Budget. The majority of this allocation — Rs 700 crore — has been set aside for land acquisition, signalling the government’s clear focus on long-term expansion of the aviation hub.

Out of the total provision, nearly 90% will be used to acquire land required for the third and fourth phases of development. The remaining Rs 50 crore will go toward construction-related works.

The upcoming third and fourth phases together require about 2,053 hectares of land. Of this, approximately 1,889 hectares will be acquired from farmers across 14 villages, while the rest is already with the administration. Officials confirmed that compensation has been fixed at Rs 4,300 per square metre, and farmers have shown willingness to participate in the acquisition process.

These phases are crucial as they will pave the way for additional runways and expanded aviation infrastructure. Once fully developed, the airport is expected to have a total of five runways, making it one of the largest aviation projects in the country.

Construction work for the first phase is nearing operational readiness. The terminal building and the primary runway have already been completed. Designed to handle 12 million passengers annually in its initial phase, the airport is currently awaiting an aerodrome licence from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before commercial flight operations can begin.

Although there was no fresh official announcement in the Budget speech regarding the inauguration date, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had earlier indicated that the airport is in its final stages and may be inaugurated this year.

The airport project has been executed in phases by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited. In the first phase, around 1,334 hectares were acquired at a cost of Rs 4,588 crore. The second phase covered 1,365 hectares, and compensation disbursement to farmers has already been completed.

The second phase will accommodate additional infrastructure, including a second runway, a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility, and other aviation-related services. These developments are expected to significantly strengthen the airport’s operational capabilities.

State Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented a total Budget of Rs 43,565 crore for the 2026-27 financial year. Within this, Rs 2,111 crore has been allocated to the civil aviation department. Notably, Rs 1,965 crore falls under capital outlay for airport infrastructure and related projects, underlining the state’s commitment to aviation growth.

The government’s vision extends beyond passenger movement. Officials have indicated that the Noida airport is being developed as a future hub for aviation research, innovation, and maintenance operations. Plans include positioning it as a key centre for cargo handling and aircraft servicing, which could generate significant employment and economic activity in western Uttar Pradesh.

Once operational, Noida International Airport is expected to complement Delhi’s existing aviation infrastructure and ease congestion at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. With NCR witnessing steady growth in passenger and cargo traffic, the new airport is projected to play a major role in regional connectivity.

By the completion of Phase 4, the airport’s passenger handling capacity is expected to rise to 70 million annually, positioning it among India’s largest airports. Improved connectivity is also likely to boost real estate, logistics, and industrial development along the Yamuna Expressway corridor.

The fresh allocation in the Noida International Airport Budget 2026 signals policy stability and long-term infrastructure planning. For investors, it reinforces confidence in the Yamuna Expressway region as a growth corridor. For residents and businesses, the airport promises better connectivity, job creation, and economic expansion.

With land acquisition accelerating and infrastructure works progressing steadily, the Noida International Airport is moving closer to becoming one of India’s most ambitious aviation projects