Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Proposes Renaming Noida Airport After Narendra Modi

Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Proposes Renaming Noida Airport After Narendra Modi

On October 9, 2026, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet approved a proposal to rename Noida International Airport at Jewar after Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This decision marks a significant state-level action, though the formal name change process involves further steps at the national level. The airport, which began commercial operations on June 15, 2026, will see no immediate changes to its services or passenger arrangements due to this proposal.

State Cabinet Approves Renaming Proposal

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the Cabinet’s decision following a meeting. The Council of Ministers expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for the airport, which is located in the Gautam Buddha Nagar district. The resolution specifically refers to the airport at Jewar and proposes it be named Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar. This move is framed as a tribute to Prime Minister Modi’s 25 years in public service and his connection to Uttar Pradesh, having been elected as a Member of Parliament from Varanasi.

Formal Name Change Requires Further Approval

While the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet’s approval is a key step, it does not finalize the airport’s name change. The established national procedure requires a recommendation from the state government, supported by a resolution from the state legislature. Following this, the Union Cabinet makes the final decision, and the new name is officially published in the Gazette of India. This process ensures a thorough review and formal adoption of any airport name changes.

Airport Operations Remain Unchanged

The proposal to rename the airport does not affect its day-to-day operations. Flight schedules, airline services, ticket prices, and accessibility to the airport remain the same. The airport’s development and expansion plans also continue as scheduled. The first phase of the airport, which began commercial flights in June 2026, has a capacity of approximately 12 million passengers per year.

Development and Future Expansion

Noida International Airport is being developed as a public-private partnership, with construction costing ₹11,282 crore. The project is planned in four phases, with the long-term goal of handling around 70 million passengers annually. The second phase is anticipated to be operational between 2031 and 2032. Beyond passenger facilities, the development includes cargo services, aircraft maintenance, and educational infrastructure, aiming to establish the airport as a major aviation hub. The airport serves the National Capital Region, complementing Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions