Noida International Airport has commenced cargo operations with the arrival of its first cargo flight from Chennai carrying around 20 tonnes of goods. The launch marks a major milestone for the Jewar-based airport, strengthening its role as a logistics hub for North India and boosting exports, supply chains and industrial growth across the Delhi-NCR region.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
• First cargo flight arrives at Noida International Airport from Chennai
• Boeing 737-800F carried nearly 20 tonnes of mixed cargo
• AISATS to operate the airport’s 87-acre cargo terminal
• International cargo services likely to begin within six months
Greater Noida, June 17: Noida International Airport has officially begun cargo operations, marking a significant milestone in its journey to become one of India’s leading aviation and logistics hubs. The airport welcomed its inaugural cargo flight from Chennai on Wednesday, signaling the start of large-scale cargo movement through the facility.
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The first cargo aircraft, a Boeing 737-800F operated by Afcom Holdings, landed carrying approximately 20 tonnes of mixed cargo, including mobile phones, electronic products, auto components, food items and consolidated shipments. The aircraft received a ceremonial water cannon salute upon arrival, celebrating the launch of cargo services at the airport.
The commencement of cargo handling activities is expected to strengthen logistics and supply chain networks across the Delhi-NCR region. With seamless connectivity through the Yamuna Expressway, the airport is strategically positioned to facilitate faster transportation of goods to key manufacturing and consumption centres.
Following the unloading process, the aircraft is scheduled to return to Chennai, completing the airport’s first cargo movement operation.
According to officials, the airport’s state-of-the-art cargo terminal spread across 87 acres will be operated by AISATS. The modern facility has been designed to support growing domestic and international cargo requirements while enhancing trade and industrial activities in the region.
Shailendra Bhatia, Nodal Officer for Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), said the airport would serve as a game-changer not only for western Uttar Pradesh but also for the entire North Indian region. He highlighted that around 55 per cent of India’s mobile phones are manufactured in the Noida-Greater Noida region, making the cargo hub critical for supporting electronics manufacturing and exports.
The airport is expected to provide a major boost to exports of electronics, pharmaceuticals, food products and agricultural commodities, helping industries gain faster access to domestic and global markets.
A unique feature of Noida International Airport is its integrated cargo infrastructure. The airport is India’s first facility to combine import and export cargo operations within a single ecosystem, enabling seamless movement of goods and reducing logistics bottlenecks.
Developed as a multi-modal cargo hub, the airport is connected through road, rail and air networks. Future plans include direct railway connectivity, which will further enhance cargo handling efficiency and strengthen its position as a major logistics gateway.
Officials have indicated that international cargo operations are likely to commence within the next six months, opening new opportunities for exporters and manufacturers across North India.
The area surrounding the airport is witnessing rapid industrial development, with projects such as an Electronic City, MSME Park, Handicraft Park, Toy Park, Apparel Cluster, Medical Park and Semiconductor Park being developed within close proximity of the airport.
Under Phase-I development, one runway has become operational while a second runway is under construction. In the long term, the airport is planned to have five runways and an annual passenger handling capacity of 225 million, making it one of the largest airports in the world.
CONCLUSION
The launch of cargo operations at Noida International Airport represents a major boost for India’s logistics and export ecosystem. With advanced cargo infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and strong industrial support, the airport is poised to become a key driver of economic growth, trade expansion and investment in Uttar Pradesh and across North India.
FAQ SECTION
Q1. When did Noida International Airport start cargo operations?
A. The airport commenced cargo operations on June 17 with the arrival of its first cargo flight from Chennai.
Q2. What cargo was carried on the inaugural flight?
A. The flight transported mobile phones, electronics, auto components, food products and consolidated shipments.
Q3. Who operates the cargo terminal at Noida International Airport?
A. The 87-acre cargo terminal is operated by AISATS.
Q4. When will international cargo services begin?
A. Officials expect international cargo flights to start within the next six months.
Q5. Why is the cargo hub important for Uttar Pradesh?
A. It will strengthen supply chains, boost exports, support manufacturing industries and attract investments to the region.
