New Delhi:
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted an aerodrome license for public use to Noida International Airport in Jewar, marking a significant milestone in the development of one of India’s most ambitious aviation infrastructure projects. The license has been issued to Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, authorizing the airport to operate as a regular place for aircraft landings and departures.
NIAL DGCA Aerodrome License
The license has been issued under Rule 78 of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, delegated through S.O. No. 727(E) dated October 4, 1994. According to the document, the aerodrome will function as a public-use facility and will operate in accordance with the operational standards and safety requirements prescribed by DGCA.
Airport Location and Operational Authorization
The license specifies that the aerodrome is located at Noida International Airport in Jewar with geographical coordinates of Latitude 28°10’32” North and Longitude 077°36’22” East. The document authorizes the airport to serve as a designated place for aircraft landing and take-off, subject to compliance with runway specifications and operational requirements defined in the aerodrome manual.
NIAL DGCA Aerodrome License
The approval allows aircraft operations under the conditions outlined in the license schedule. The DGCA has clarified that the aerodrome must operate in line with the standards set in the Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs) and other regulatory frameworks governing aviation safety and infrastructure.
However, the license also states that it can be suspended, modified, withdrawn, or limited if any violation of aviation laws or safety regulations is found. The conditions reference provisions of the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024, the Aircraft Rules, 1937, and other directives issued by aviation authorities.
Validity of the License
According to the validity schedule attached to the document, the aerodrome license has been issued on March 6, 2026, and will remain valid provisionally until September 5, 2026. The license has been signed by the Director General of Civil Aviation.
The document also specifies that the aerodrome license is not transferable and must remain with the authorized operator.
Operational and Safety Conditions
The DGCA has laid down several general conditions to ensure safe and efficient operation of the airport. The licensee must ensure that aerodrome facilities, equipment, and services are maintained in accordance with the aerodrome manual approved by DGCA and the applicable aviation standards.
Copies of the Aerodrome Manual and Safety Management System (SMS) manual must be kept updated and accessible. Staff members responsible for operations must be fully aware of the procedures and requirements outlined in these manuals.
The operator is required to maintain an adequate number of qualified and skilled personnel for the operation and maintenance of the airport. Additionally, authorities responsible for Aeronautical Information Services and air traffic control must be notified immediately in case of any hazards, obstacles, changes in aerodrome service levels, or other issues that could affect aviation safety.
NIAL DGCA Aerodrome License
The license holder must also ensure compliance with security and anti-hijacking arrangements as stipulated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security.
Technical and Operational Standards
The document notes that the aerodrome meets the design criteria and reference code 4E, as defined under Civil Aviation Requirements Section 4 Series B Part I. The airport has been designed to accommodate aircraft such as the Boeing 777-300ER or equivalent type, indicating its capability to handle large wide-body aircraft operations.
The aerodrome will maintain the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) category specified in the aerodrome manual or as notified through Aeronautical Information Service or Notice to Airmen (NOTAM).
Operations at the airport will be permitted under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions, allowing aircraft operations in all-weather situations.
Compliance and Reporting Requirements
The operator must maintain records of all aircraft landings and take-offs and provide necessary documentation when demanded by authorized officers under the Aircraft Rules, 1937.
The license also requires the operator to submit an application for renewal at least two months before the expiry of the license period. Renewal will be granted only if DGCA is satisfied that all regulatory requirements have been fulfilled.
Additional compliance measures outlined in the annexure require the airport operator to submit quarterly progress reports on pending observations identified during inspections. The operator must also address any non-compliances related to aerodrome facilities under Civil Aviation Requirements regulations.
Furthermore, the operator must continue developing operating procedures for airport activities and conduct safety assessments regularly. Implementation of the Safety Management System (SMS) plan is also mandatory, with progress reports to be submitted periodically.
Strategic Importance of the Project
The issuance of the aerodrome license represents a major step toward operational readiness for Noida International Airport. Once fully operational, the airport is expected to become a key aviation hub serving the National Capital Region and western Uttar Pradesh.
The project is being developed to enhance air connectivity, reduce congestion at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, and boost economic growth in the region through improved logistics, tourism, and trade opportunities.
With the aerodrome license now granted, the airport moves closer to beginning flight operations, subject to completion of remaining regulatory and operational requirements.
