Industry hails Noida International Airport as North India’s new export & logistics engine

Industry stakeholders have positioned the Noida International Airport as a key logistics and cargo hub, citing its potential to ease capacity constraints, improve supply chains and support exports across northern India.

Hailing the newly inaugurated airport as a gloal trade gateway, Bob Chi, CEO of Gateway Services at SATS Ltd., said the project would connect Uttar Pradesh to global markets and attract international investment.

Subhash Goyal of the Aviation and Tourism Committee pointed to slot constraints at Indira Gandhi International Airport, saying the new airport could ease pressure on Delhi’s aviation infrastructure and create opportunities for new airlines. He added that improved connectivity between Delhi and Jewar would be necessary to maximise benefits.The first phase of the airport, developed at an estimated cost of ₹11,200 crore, is envisioned as a multi-modal transport hub with seamless connectivity through road, rail, metro and regional transport systems.Lalit Thukral, president of the Noida Apparel Export Cluster, said the airport would support export-oriented industries and improve competitiveness in global markets.

Cargo infrastructure to support industry demand

The airport’s positioning as a cargo hub is supported by planned infrastructure, including a dedicated cargo terminal with an initial capacity of around 2 million metric tonnes, expandable to 8 million tonnes. In the first phase, cargo handling capacity of about 0.25 million tonnes per year is expected to scale up to 1.5 million tonnes annually.Spread over nearly 80,000 square metres, the cargo facilities are designed to integrate air transport with road and potential rail links. Dedicated cargo routes are also being developed to connect industrial clusters in the Yamuna Expressway region directly to the airport.

These clusters, spanning electronics, manufacturing, e-commerce and pharmaceuticals, are expected to benefit from faster access to international markets and more predictable logistics timelines.

Industry experts also said the project could strengthen supply chains and generate employment in the region. Banking infrastructure, including branches and forex services, is also being established within the airport premises to support operations and international travel.The airport, a priority project of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is being developed as part of a wider push to position the state as a logistics and trade hub.It is being developed and operated by Yamuna International Airport, a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, in partnership with the central and Uttar Pradesh governments.