Noida, April 25, 2026:
Noida International Airport (NIA) has announced a key change in its leadership structure following directives issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which mandate that the Chief Executive Officer of any airport in India must be an Indian citizen.
In compliance with the directive, Neetu Samra has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect. She will continue in this role until the Board of Directors completes a formal selection process for a permanent CEO.
Neetu Samra has been associated with the airport since October 2021, serving as Chief Financial Officer. During her tenure, she has played a crucial role in financial management, administrative planning, and strategic execution during the development phase of the airport project. Her elevation is seen as a move to ensure continuity in leadership while aligning with regulatory requirements.
Meanwhile, Christoph Schnellmann, who had been serving as the CEO of Noida International Airport since August 2020, will now transition to the role of Executive Vice Chairman on the airport’s Board. In this new capacity, he will continue to support the project and assist in ensuring a smooth transition during the operational phase.
Daniel Bircher, Chairman of Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, stated that following the inauguration of the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2026, the focus has been on commencing operations at the earliest. He added that the restructuring ensures compliance with BCAS norms while maintaining leadership continuity.
Bircher further emphasized that the newly structured leadership team is expected to support smooth operations, uphold transparent governance practices, and strengthen corporate culture as the airport moves toward full-scale operations.
Noida International Airport is being developed as a state-of-the-art aviation hub and is expected to play a significant role in boosting regional connectivity, economic development, and investment in the region. The leadership change is seen as a strategic step toward aligning operational readiness with regulatory compliance and long-term growth objectives.
