Ground-breaking for Noida International Airport held in the presence of PM Shri Narendra Modi and UP CM Shri Yogi Adityanath
The ground-breaking ceremony for Noida International Airport was held at Jewar today in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, and the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath. The ceremony marks the beginning of construction of the airport. The ceremony – hosted by Shri R K Tiwari, Chairman NIAL and Chief Secretary, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Mr. Daniel Bircher, Chairman YIAPL and MD Zurich Airport International – was attended by eminent dignitaries including Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri V.K. Singh, Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Dr. Ralf Heckner, Ambassador of Switzerland to India, Shri Nand Gopal Gupta, Minister Civil Aviation, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Shri Dhirendra Singh, MLA, Jewar.
Noida International Airport will be built through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with an overall investment of INR 5730cr. The airport, set to open in 2024, will combine Indian culture, hospitality and design with Swiss technology and efficiency. The country’s newest greenfield airport will provide passengers, airlines, and partners with quick, efficient processes and exceptional value. NIA will be a digital airport, offering passengers a safe and contactless travel experience as well as customised commercial offerings. The airport aims at operating with net zero emissions at an early stage.
Mr Daniel Bircher, Chairman and Managing Director, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited said, “The ground-breaking ceremony is a key milestone, and the airport will act as a growth catalyst for not just the state, but the country. As the Ministry of Civil Aviation turns its focus towards making India a global aviation maintenance hub, NIA will aid the development of Cargo and MRO cluster in the NCR region, making flying more affordable. We are a committed partner for India’s growth, and we see tremendous opportunity to invest and support India’s national agenda through infrastructural development and job creation.”
He added, “We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Honourable Prime Minister, Shri. Narendra Modi, Honourable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri. Yogi Adityanath, and the dedicated team of officers who have been instrumental in turning this vision into reality.”
At the ground-breaking, Mr. Christoph Schnellmann, Chief Executive Officer, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited said, “The strong recovery in the aviation sector along with the government’s initiative to develop and expand airports will not only help meet the growing demand for travel but also encourage higher connectivity between tier 2 and 3 cities in the country. Noida International Airport will connect western Uttar Pradesh to other cities in India and the world. This world class airport will set a benchmark in aviation infrastructure and development of multiple-airport systems in India.”
The airport’s design is inspired by India and will include various elements synonymous with the region’s architecture. The terminal forecourt will feature flights of steps like the famous ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar, welcoming and bringing together people. Delivering the look and feel of a haveli, a courtyard will allow fresh air and sunlight into the terminal building. Inspired by the important rivers of the region, a white, translucent, wavy roof will give the effect of a flowing river. The passenger terminal will feature intricate ornamental lattice screens, inspired by Indian architecture. Noida International Airport will showcase a grand entry to the state of Uttar Pradesh.
Noida International Airport holds strategic importance for Uttar Pradesh as it will stimulate residential and industrial activities in the catchment area and attract more investment. The airport will benefit the region and act as a growth catalyst for the local economy. It will also be a huge job creator with the upcoming MRO hub, film city, and other developments in the region. The development of the airport will spur economic growth in India, ushering it towards becoming $5-trillion economy in the next few years.
In early December last year, Zurich Airport International had selected a consortium consisting of Nordic, Grimshaw, Haptic and STUP as the architects to design the passenger terminal of the Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar. The design of the airport focuses on short and efficient passenger flows, digital and tech-enabled customer services, and commitment to minimal environmental impact. A state-of-the-art flexible and modular logistics infrastructure will support the growing logistics demand and our logistics partners.
In August, Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL) secured approval of the masterplan, which was prepared in close collaboration with aviation consultants Landrum & Brown and experts from Zurich Airport International. The masterplan is prepared to accommodate the expected demand throughout the 40-year concession period with two runways and two passenger terminals. NIA will be the first airport in its class to accomplish net zero emissions, setting a new standard for sustainable aviation.
Zurich Airport International AG, a 100% subsidiary of Flughafen Zürich AG, is successfully developing and operating award-winning airports in Latin America, the Caribbean and in India.
The company is invested in multiple airport concessions and is providing operations and management contracts as well as advisory in all fields of airport development and management.
Flughafen Zürich AG, a major player in aviation, commercial and real estate, is the owner and operator of Switzerland’s main transportation hub and gateway to the world.
The company is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange with a market cap of approximately CHF 5bn.
Yamuna International Airport Private Limited
YIAPL is a 100% subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG, which has been incorporated as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to develop the greenfield Noida International Airport. The Government of Uttar Pradesh has signed the concession agreement with Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL), to develop Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar. The company is responsible for implementing the Public-Private Partnership project together with the Government of Uttar Pradesh, New Delhi Okhla Industrial Development Authority and Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority.
About Noida International Airport Limited
Noida International Airport Limited was incorporated on 28.08.2018 as Joint Venture of Government of Uttar Pradesh (through Department of Civil Aviation, GoUP), NOIDA, Greater NOIDA, and Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) in ratio of 37.5:37.5:12.5:12.5 with objective to set-up a Green Field International Airport and facilitating other aviation related activities in Gautam Buddha Nagar district in the State of Uttar Pradesh. The Present Authorised Capital of the Company is Rs. 10,000 Crore. The business and operation of the Company is managed by Board of Directors consisting of 7 members as under:
Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL) is developing Noida International Airport under PPP model in close partnership with Government of Uttar Pradesh and Government of India. YIAPL is committed to building a world-class airport in India which will play the role of a catalyst for the economic growth of India & Uttar Pradesh. The investment in Noida International Airport (NIA) will fuel the economy in NCR, Greater Noida, and the state of Uttar Pradesh, thereby also generating substantial direct and indirect job opportunities in the region. NIA will be a digital greenfield airport, enabling seamless flows through the airport, a pleasant travel experience as well as tailored-made and efficient infrastructure for its logistics partners. Once fully constructed, the Noida International Airport will be a thriving international airport serving the National Capital Region of Delhi and the fast-developing Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development area between Delhi and Agra. UP government’s continued support towards the project has been vital in the process so far.
Recently, YIAPL signed the financing agreements with the State Bank of India (SBI) and Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), the Government of Uttar Pradesh’s nodal agency for the project, to achieve financial close of the Noida International Airport (NIA) project. YIAPL has raised INR 3,725 crore in debt from SBI to be repaid over a period of 20 year with one-year moratorium post completion of the project. This is one of the largest financings in an Indian greenfield airport. The financial close marks another crucial milestone for the project, bringing it closer to start of construction works. The project is being funded on a debt-to-equity ratio of 65:35. Zurich Airport International AG (ZAIA), a fully owned subsidiary of Flughafen Zurich AG, is the main shareholder of YIAPL and is injecting INR 2005 crore as equity into the development of Noida International Airport.
YIAPL has secured the final approval for the masterplan for Noida International Airport (NIA) in the month of August. The masterplan was prepared in close collaboration with aviation consultants Landrum & Brown and experts from Zurich Airport International. The approval was secured from NIAL, DGCA, AAI, BCAS and necessary environmental authorities. The Master Plan is compliant with the requirements of the Concession Agreement as well as with the applicable regulations from ICAO, DGCA, AAI and BCAS. The masterplan sets the foundation for developing different avenues at various strategic locations across the airport site and thereby launching Noida International Airport as a destination in itself. It will be a confluence of air travel, high speed rail, metro, and road transport. Though the masterplan is prepared to accommodate the demand throughout the 40-year concession period with 2 runways, the Government of Uttar Pradesh has larger aspirations over the broader time horizon to ultimately have 5 runways. The airport masterplan provides the platform for this aspirational growth.
Some of the key structural elements as outlined in the masterplan include the following:
Two Terminal Complex:
Once completed, the airport will house two passenger terminals. Terminal 1 will have a capacity of 30 million passengers per year and Terminal 2 a capacity of 40 million passengers per year. The terminals will be interconnected to facilitate the transfer for passengers, minimize walking distances and reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the modular development plan will minimize impact on operations during construction. The Inter-terminal connector is important to ensure flexibility for airlines and their operations.
The first Terminal (T1) will be built in two stages- the first for 12 million passengers per year, the second with an additional capacity for 18 million passengers per year. Terminal 2 will also be built in two stages – with a first stage capacity of 12 million passengers per year and second stage capacity of 18 million passengers per year. The forecourts for both terminals will have direct access to a single Ground Transportation Center.
Delivering the best connecting time:
The design of the airport is focussing on low operating costs and seamless and fast transfer processes for domestic-to-domestic passengers as well as for domestic to international transfers and viz versa. NIA will provide sufficient night parking to support the strategic growth of Indian Air Carriers.
NIA is introducing a swing aircraft stand concept, providing flexibility for airlines to operate an aircraft for both domestic and international flights form the same contact stand, without having to re-position the aircraft. This will ensure quick and efficient aircraft turnarounds at the airport, while ensuring a smooth and seamless passenger transfer process – delivering the best connecting time.
Cargo & Logistics Development:
NIA has the potential to become a key air cargo gateway for North India. The airport will develop an ecosystem that consists of the state-of-the-art infrastructure and product offerings supported by best-in-class procedures that incorporate Swiss efficiency, simplicity, and quality. The integrated multi-modal cargo hub at NIA will play a crucial role in establishing the state of Uttar Pradesh on the global logistics map.
Multi-modal Connectivity:
The NIA masterplan includes provisions for an integrated and seamless road, rail, bus, and metro connectivity. Some of the key strategic connectivity points comprise the metro extension from Noida to NIA as well as an airport station for the planned High Speed Rail Link from Delhi to Varanasi. Yamuna Expressway will also connect NIA to the NCR region and city of Agra that hosts one of the seven wonders of the world – the Taj Mahal.
Ground Transportation Center (GTC):
NIA will develop a multi-modal transit hub at the Ground Transportation Center to provide seamless connectivity between various public and private modes of transport. The GTC will house metro and high-speed rail stations, taxi, bus services and private parking along with large concourse area housing commercial spaces, restaurants, and lounges. The Ground Transportation Centre (GTC) will be a one of its kind, multi-level building structure, located centrally and will be developed in subsequent stages. The GTC will offer a hassle-free experience and seamless transfers between the terminals and different modes of transport for passengers, visitors, and employees.
Real Estate Development:
The land use planning reserves 167 acres of land along the main access to airport for real estate development. Development studies are on-going. The real estate land is positioned to benefit from the footfall of the airport and is located close to the transportation centres.
Sustainable Planning:
There are plans to implement technologies and processes like zero-emission fuels & Maximum Use of renewable energy (solar), waste treatment & recycling & waste-water recycling and environmental management system to realise this goal. NIA will be a role model for sustainable infrastructure and operations in the country.
Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL) developed the four sub concepts (energy, fuels, waste, and water) and developed feasible solutions to pursue in the design, construction, and operation of the airport.
The NIA masterplan has earmarked 8 ha of land to develop a forest park using trees from the project site. It will serve as a space for passengers and visitors to spend their leisure time and become an attractive destination for health/fitness activities as well as for nature-focussed recreational activities. This will be a sustainable green grove for the airport. NIA plans to preserve all native species and be nature positive throughout the development of the airport. In line with its aspirations to be a green airport, NIA is committed to provide infrastructure and facilities for 100% electrically powered vehicles at the airport in a phased manner.
General Corporate Aviation:
The NIA masterplan also has provision for General Corporate Aviation facilities, including a VVIP terminal, a General Aviation Terminal and Heli taxi pads. These facilities will cater to the needs of state dignitaries, handle private jet movements and helicopters.
In October 2020, the Government of Uttar Pradesh signed the concession agreement with ZAIA, a 100% subsidiary of Flughafen Zürich AG, to commence the development of the Noida International Airport at Jewar for a period of 40 years. ZAIA received the security clearance from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs to develop the Noida International Airport at Jewar in May 2020, after winning the contract to build and operate Noida International Airport (DNIA) in Greater Noida in November 2019. YIAPL was incorporated as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to develop the greenfield Noida International Airport in Jewar. Zurich Airport International AG is the sole shareholder of YIAPL. With this significant foreign direct investment, ZAIA consolidates its role as a leading global airport operator with experience in three continents, benchmarked quality and innovations and successful global projects. The investment substantiates ZAIA’s strong belief in India’s growth story, and its commitment to invest and support India’s national agenda through infrastructural development and job creation.