The Uttar Pradesh government has imposed a penalty of INR 10 lakh per day on Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) due to delays in the Noida International Airport project in Jewar. Originally set to open in September 2024, the project was granted an extension until December 2024 due to pandemic-related disruptions. However, with construction still unfinished, the fine has been enforced from January 1, 2025, until the airport is operational.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed YIAPL to commence domestic flights by May 15 and international operations by June 25. A high-level review meeting on March 10 raised concerns over slow progress, particularly on the terminal building. While 80% of the structure is complete, key elements such as international passenger facilities, navigation equipment, and air traffic control (ATC) systems are still incomplete.
Authorities took a crucial step by issuing an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) on March 6, a mandatory requirement before an airport becomes operational. This ensures that airlines and aviation authorities are informed about the airport’s infrastructure and operational procedures. However, the project still requires significant progress before full functionality is achieved.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will now assess the airport’s readiness, with a final decision expected within 70 days. The imposed penalties and strict deadlines reflect the government’s urgency in ensuring the project is completed without further delays, addressing both domestic and international travel needs efficiently.