Noida airport operator fined ₹10 lakh daily for delays

The Uttar Pradesh government has fined the operator of Noida international airport ₹10 lakh a day due to construction delays. This penalty applies to Yamuna International Airport Private Limited (YIAPL) and began on January 1, 2025. Originally, the airport was set to open in September 2024, but after setbacks from the Covid-19 pandemic, the company was granted an extension until December 2024. Now, it is clear that they will miss the revised deadline of April. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath enforced the fine as the airport is expected to start operations only in mid-May. During a meeting on March 10, Adityanath expressed concern over the slow pace of construction, especially the terminal building. The airport must begin domestic services by May 15 and international flights by June 25. The terminal building is 80% completed, but key work on international sections and air traffic control must still be finished. The Airports Authority of India will need about 20 days for setup after the necessary installations are complete. To meet the deadline, NIAL has asked YIAPL for a "catch-up" plan. Domestic operations can begin first with fewer aerobridges than planned, as the domestic and international sections are on different levels. An aeronautical information publication was issued on March 6, starting a 70-day process that is crucial for operational readiness.