Just days after opening its doors to commercial passenger services, Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar is set to mark another milestone on Wednesday with its first cargo flight. The aircraft is scheduled to operate on a domestic route, signalling the airport's entry into cargo handling operations and strengthening its position as a growing aviation hub in northern India.
The development comes as the newly operational airport looks to build a strong presence not only in passenger travel but also in domestic and international freight movement.
Cargo hub designed for large-scale operations
The airport has been equipped to handle domestic, international and express cargo. Direct truck connectivity through the Yamuna Expressway is expected to help speed up the movement of goods to and from the facility.
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Highlighting its logistics ambitions, NIA said its infrastructure is "Designed for reliable, connected, and efficient cargo operations from the heart of North India."
Jewar's aviation dream grows bigger as cargo operations begin. /ANI
Cargo operations at the airport have been developed by Air India SATS (AISATS). The facility starts with an annual handling capacity of 200,000 metric tonnes, with expansion plans aimed at increasing that figure to 1.5 million tonnes in the future.
Digital systems to improve efficiency
The cargo terminal has been built with a focus on technology-driven operations. It will use digital platforms, including the IATA-recommended E-Freight system, to reduce paperwork, simplify documentation processes and enable real-time tracking of shipments.
The airport said these systems are expected to support paperless cargo movement while improving visibility across the supply chain.
The facility also includes 22,000 square metres of warehouse space and two dedicated freighter bays capable of supporting round-the-clock cargo operations.
IndiGo aircraft takes part in operational readiness trial at Noida International Airport /ANI
To boost operational efficiency, the cargo hub has been equipped with systems such as COSYS+, e-Acceptance and cargo community platforms. It also features 19 truck docks, nine X-ray machines and 12 Unit Load Device roller decks.
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Passenger services began earlier this week
Commercial passenger operations at Noida International Airport began earlier this week when an IndiGo flight from Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport became the first commercial aircraft to land at the facility.
Around 170 farmers from the Jewar region, including 20 women, travelled on the inaugural flight to Lucknow. The passengers were among those who had voluntarily given up ancestral land for the airport project.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the airport on March 28. Located in Jewar, the greenfield airport is expected to ease pressure on Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport while emerging as a key passenger and cargo gateway for northern India.
