Delhi NCR Travelers Express Concerns Over Noida Airport Launch in 2026, ETTravelWorld

Weeks ahead of the launch of Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar, a LocalCircles survey highlights significant reluctance among Delhi NCR air travellers to shift from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), primarily due to higher fares and distance-related concerns. The airport is scheduled to begin operations on June 15, 2026, with IndiGo as the launch carrier, connecting key domestic cities including Lucknow, Bengaluru, Amritsar, Hyderabad and Jammu.

The survey, which received over 19,000 responses from travellers across Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Faridabad and Ghaziabad, found that 95 per cent of respondents intend to continue flying from Delhi airport in 2026. Of these, 58 per cent cited both lower fares and proximity as the main reasons, while 32 per cent prioritised proximity alone and 5 per cent pointed to lower fares. Only 5 per cent of respondents indicated willingness to use Noida airport, largely out of curiosity rather than practical preference.

Affordability has emerged as a key concern in the lead-up to the airport’s launch. Submissions to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) by IndiGo and Air India indicate that aeronautical charges at Noida could be significantly higher than at Delhi. Domestic landing charges are reported to be up to 119 per cent higher, while the proposed embarking User Development Fee (UDF) stands at INR 653 per passenger, approximately 406 per cent higher than at IGIA.

These cost differences are expected to translate into airfares that are 20–25 per cent higher than comparable routes from Delhi. Early booking data cited in a representation to the Prime Minister by the Jewar MLA suggests that fares on routes such as Lucknow to Noida are already trending above those to Delhi.

In addition to pricing concerns, limited ground connectivity at launch remains a challenge. The absence of metro and rapid rail links is expected to increase travel time and cost for most NCR passengers, reinforcing Delhi airport’s proximity advantage.

The survey findings suggest that Noida International Airport may face challenges in attracting significant passenger traffic in its initial phase unless fare competitiveness and connectivity improve. Around 80 per cent of respondents indicated they would consider using the airport only if fares are comparable to or lower than Delhi and if ground access is convenient.

The airport, operated by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Flughafen Zurich AG, has an initial capacity of 1.2 crore passengers annually and is positioned as a secondary hub for the Delhi NCR region. However, stakeholders including airlines and policymakers may need to address pricing and accessibility concerns to ensure optimal utilisation during its early years.