In a significant move to solidify the Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar as a premier aviation hub, the Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a substantial ₹750 crore in the 2026-27 state budget. This fresh infusion of funds is set to accelerate the airport’s transformation, not just as a passenger gateway, but as a comprehensive center for aircraft maintenance, innovation, and research.
The announcement, made on Wednesday by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, underscores the state’s long-term vision for the project, which is poised to become a critical asset for the entire National Capital Region (NCR).
Breaking Down the ₹750 Crore Allocation
The capital outlay for the project has been strategically divided to fuel the next phase of growth. Here is the breakdown of the funds:
- ₹700 Crore for Land Acquisition: The bulk of the funds is dedicated to acquiring land for the third and fourth phases of the project. This is crucial for the airport’s ambitious long-term expansion plans.
- ₹50 Crore for Construction Works: This portion will support initial construction-related activities linked to the new land parcels.
This strategic investment is aimed at developing Jewar into more than just an airport. The government envisions it as a full-scale international airport, an aviation innovation and research centre, and a major maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub.
Land Acquisition: Paving the Way for Five Runways
The project is being developed in four phases under the PPP model by Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG. While Phase 1 is complete and awaiting its aerodrome licence from the DGCA, the groundwork for future expansion is in full swing.
Here is the status of the land acquisition so far:
- Phase 1: 1,334 hectares acquired at a cost of ₹4,588 crore.
- Phase 2: 1,365 hectares acquired. This area will house an additional runway and the airport’s MRO facilities.
- Phases 3 & 4: A total of 2,053 hectares is required. Of this, 1,889 hectares will be acquired from 14 villages at a rate of ₹4,300 per sqm. The remaining 165 hectares is already with the administration.
The acquisition for Phases 3 and 4 is particularly significant as it will allow the total number of runways at the airport to increase from the initially approved two to a total of five runways, dramatically boosting its capacity and operational flexibility.
Massive Capacity and the Bigger Picture
Once operational, the scale of the Noida International Airport will be immense. The phased capacity is planned as follows:
- Phase 1 Capacity: 1.2 crore (12 million) passengers annually.
- Full Capacity (All 4 Phases): A staggering 7 crore (70 million) passengers per year.
The project is designed to complement the existing aviation network in Delhi and meet the burgeoning passenger and cargo demands of the NCR. This budget allocation is a clear signal that the government is committed to creating a world-class infrastructure asset that will drive economic growth for decades.
Other Key Aviation Allocations in the 2026-27 Budget
The focus on aviation extends beyond Jewar. The UP government has earmarked a total of ₹2,111 crore for the civil aviation department for 2026-27. This includes:
- ₹1,965 crore under capital outlay for the department.
- ₹100 crore for construction and ₹1,000 crore for land acquisition to expand and strengthen airstrips across the state.
- Ayodhya Airport: An additional ₹7 crore has been allocated for its upcoming second terminal, including ₹5 crore for an approach road and ₹2 crore for land for a police outpost.
These investments collectively highlight Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to building a robust and forward-looking aviation infrastructure, with the Jewar airport project at its very heart.