Interest in the upcoming Noida International Airport is steadily increasing, with nearly one-fourth of air travellers in the Delhi-NCR region now open to using the new facility once operations begin. A recent survey indicates that improving airfare competitiveness and enhanced connectivity plans are encouraging more passengers to consider the airport as an alternative to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).
The findings mark a notable shift in traveller sentiment compared to earlier surveys conducted in May 2026, when only a small percentage of respondents expressed willingness to fly from Noida Airport. At that time, higher ticket prices and concerns about accessibility were major factors discouraging passengers from making the switch.
According to the latest survey conducted by LocalCircles, more than 14,000 respondents participated, and approximately 23 per cent indicated that they would consider using Noida International Airport. The change has largely been driven by airlines reducing fares on several routes operating from the airport, bringing ticket prices closer to — and in some cases below — those offered from Delhi Airport.
Industry observers attribute part of this pricing advantage to Uttar Pradesh’s lower tax structure on aviation turbine fuel. The reduced fuel tax enables airlines to operate more cost-effectively from Noida, creating opportunities for more competitive airfare pricing.
Efforts to strengthen ground transportation have also contributed to growing interest among travellers. Authorities have introduced affordable bus services and are working to improve connectivity between the airport and key parts of the National Capital Region. Better access options are expected to address one of the most significant concerns raised by passengers in previous surveys.
Scheduled to commence commercial operations on June 15, 2026, Noida International Airport is expected to serve as NCR’s second major aviation hub. The airport aims to complement IGI Airport by catering to passengers from eastern NCR and western Uttar Pradesh while easing congestion at Delhi’s primary airport. Initial operations will be led by carriers including IndiGo, Akasa Air, and Air India Express.
While Delhi Airport is expected to remain the preferred choice for a majority of travellers in the near term, the survey suggests that fare competitiveness and improving connectivity are gradually strengthening Noida Airport’s appeal. As commercial operations draw closer, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see whether the airport can successfully convert this growing interest into sustained passenger traffic.
