New Delhi: The Noida International Airport in Jewar is expected to redefine air travel for Indians by blending India’s cultural heritage with technology and passenger-focused facilities.
From artistic inspirations to sustainability initiatives, the airport is all set to form a new benchmark for modern aviation hubs.
“This airport is not just a traditional airport, it is a next-generation aviation hub… a future capacity of 7 crore passengers per year… meaning, a calm, stress-free and pleasant journey,” says the anchor in a video, titled ‘How the New Jewar Airport is Changing India Forever’, on the MyGov India Youtube channel, with unmistakable enthusiasm.
The Noida International Airport in Jewar is a modern, greenfield airport with a 3,900-metre runway and advanced navigation systems. Its Phase 1 has the capacity for 12 million passengers per year, which is expected to grow to 70 million when fully built.
In the nearly 19-minute video, the anchor gives the viewers an inside tour of the airport where wave-like ceilings resemble the flow of Indian rivers, while the large courtyards with big descending steps mimic the traditional ghats of India.
“The unique feature of the airport is global standards with Indian cultural touch,” the anchor says in the video.
“Haveli-inspired patterns, local art, handicraft, and textiles enrich the interiors, offering passengers an immersive experience of Indian culture from the moment they enter,” she adds.
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Pride and criticism
The anchor repeatedly says that the airport prioritises speed, convenience, and comfort for all travellers. With Digi Yatra and biometric integration, facial recognition enables a smooth entry, boarding, and security checks, reducing the need for physical documentation.
The airport also features self-service technology, including kiosks for check-in, automated baggage drops, and smart gates.
For Business travelers and those needing to stay productive, the airport offers work-friendly spaces with dedicated workstations, tables, stools, and charging points. It allows passengers to comfortably attend to office work or personal tasks during layovers.
Environmental responsibility is also a central part of the airport’s design. Solar panels power operations, while electric vehicles and machinery reduce carbon emissions across the facility.
“The airport is expected to run on 50 per cent solar power,” said the anchor.
Construction uses eco-friendly materials, including bamboo and low-carbon LC3/LCCC cement, promoting sustainable development. Initiatives like rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting align with India’s ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Under the video, many viewers expressed pride and excitement about Noida’s Airport. “May GOD bless my NOIDA. May GOD bless my INDIA.” and “Sky is the limit, but this represents the BEYOND IMG,” read a comment.
Some viewers, however, raised factual and critical points. One commenter noted a correction regarding India’s net-zero target, saying that “the timeline for that is 2070, not 2030”, as said by the anchor in the video.
Several comments also criticised the airport’s design and aesthetics. Some emphasised the lack of the promised cultural touch and said they are “disappointed with the design.” Many of them highlighted the broader trend of Indian airports struggling to create a visually striking and memorable interior.
Some said it was underwhelming compared to other major airports. “Airport design itna basic hai ki chota mota railway station bhi isse peeche chhod de (The airport design is so basic that even a small railway station could outdo it),” a comment read.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)