The upcoming Noida International Airport is set to boost the local economy with around 172 acres carved out for a Commercial District which will over time house hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping centres as well as recreational facilities.
Speaking to businessline, Noida International Airport (NIA)’s Chief Executive Christoph Schnellmann said NIA is poised to become a hub for economic growth, with plans to develop world-class commercial real estate.
“Our vision is to establish a sustainable, innovative, and connected commercial community that supports both the airport and the surrounding region.” he said.
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Over time, the project aims to create a vibrant commercial district that seamlessly integrates with the airport, catering to diverse local, national, and global businesses.
To achieve this, Schnellmann said NIA is guided by key principles that prioritise the preservation of long-term aviation capacity needs, ensure the adjacency of facilities and expansion flexibility, and optimise overall airport operational efficiency.
“Our development approach will be phased, with a strong emphasis on sustainability in all aspects of development.”
One of the first movers in the commercial district is expected to be Roseate Hotels and Resorts, which will develop an airport hotel with over 240 rooms. At present, both Delhi and Hyderabad have similar commercial areas known as aerotropolises or aerocities.
In India, Hyderabad aerocity is the biggest, which is spread over 1,500 acres, followed by Delhi aerocity, which is built on 200 acres. Even the Bangalore International Airport is developing an aerocity.
Conceptually, a commercial district or an aerocity is located in areas outside the airports’ premises, having hotels and restaurants. Lately, the concept of an aerocity is picking up in India, with both Delhi and Hyderabad having similar commercial areas.
According to industry insiders, an aerocity or commercial district is vital for airport developers, since the revenue earned from the leasing of the land parcel to hotels and other facilities goes directly to the airport developer operator.
The upcoming Noida airport will be the second airport in the Delhi-National Capital Region. after completion of phase I, would have one runway and one terminal, and would be able to handle around 12 million passengers per year.
Earlier this month, NIA completed the validation flight test, which is a vital element of the aerodrome licensing process. The flight was conducted by IndiGo, which verified the airport’s approach procedures, confirming the accuracy and functionality of its navigational aids and air traffic control systems.
The airport development and operations concession were given to Zurich Airport International AG in 2019. The Switzerland-based company is implementing the project via its subsidiary, Yamuna International Airport (YIAPL). It currently operates the Zurich Airport and nine airports in South America.