Cargo ops begin at Noida International Airport, first flight arrives from Chennai
Synopsis
Noida International Airport's cargo chapter has opened — quietly but consequentially. A Boeing 737-800F from Chennai delivered 20 tonnes of mixed goods to Jewar on 17 June, activating an 87-acre terminal that officials say will serve a region producing 55 per cent of India's mobile phones. With international cargo and a railway link on the horizon, this could redefine North India's logistics map.
Key Takeaways
Noida International Airport in Jewar launched cargo operations on 17 June 2025 , days after commencing commercial passenger services.
The inaugural cargo flight — a Boeing 737-800F operated by Afcom Holdings — arrived from Chennai carrying approximately 20 tonnes of mixed cargo.
The 87-acre cargo terminal will be operated by AISATS , according to NIAL Nodal Officer Shailendra Bhatia .
The airport is India's first to integrate both import and export cargo facilities, and is planned to be the only one directly linked to the railway network .
International cargo flights are expected to begin within six months ; the airport's eventual capacity is 225 million passengers annually across five runways .
The Noida region manufactures 55 per cent of India's mobile phones, making the cargo hub strategically critical for electronics exports.
Noida International Airport in Jewar, Greater Noida, launched its cargo operations on Wednesday, 17 June 2025, with the inaugural cargo flight touching down from Chennai — marking a significant milestone in the airport's evolution as a logistics and aviation hub for North India. The development comes just days after the airport commenced commercial passenger services.
Inaugural Flight and Cargo Details
The first cargo aircraft — a Boeing 737-800F operated by Afcom Holdings — arrived carrying approximately 20 tonnes of mixed cargo, including mobile phones, electronic products, auto components, food items, and consolidated shipments. The aircraft was received with a ceremonial water cannon salute upon landing. After offloading, the flight is set to return to Chennai.
Infrastructure and Strategic Significance
The state-of-the-art cargo terminal, spread across 87 acres, will be operated by AISATS, according to Shailendra Bhatia, Nodal Officer for NIAL (Noida International Airport Limited). Bhatia said the airport is poised to be a game-changer not only for Western Uttar Pradesh but for the entire North India region.
The airport's strategic location along the Yamuna Expressway is expected to accelerate cargo movement and strengthen supply chains across the Delhi-NCR corridor. Notably, Noida International Airport is described as the country's first airport to integrate both inbound (import) and outbound (export) cargo facilities under one roof, enabling seamless logistics connectivity.
Why This Matters for Electronics and Exports
Bhatia highlighted that 55 per cent of India's mobile phones are manufactured in the Noida region, making a dedicated cargo hub here particularly consequential. He said the facility will provide fresh momentum to the export of pharmaceuticals, electronics, food products, and agricultural goods. This comes amid India's broader push to position itself as a global electronics manufacturing hub, with the Noida-Greater Noida belt already anchoring a significant share of domestic production.
Future Expansion Plans
The airport has been developed as a multi-modal cargo hub linked by road, rail, and air networks. According to officials, it is set to become the country's only cargo hub directly connected to the railway network. International cargo flights are reportedly expected to commence within the next six months.
In its first phase, one runway is operational while a second is under construction. Over the coming years, five runways are planned, eventually raising the airport's passenger capacity to 225 million annually, with an initial phase capacity of 70 million. Complementary facilities — including an Electronic City, MSME park, handicraft park, toy park, apparel cluster, and medical and semiconductor parks — are being developed within a 10-minute drive of the airport. Experts believe the airport will play a pivotal role in helping Uttar Pradesh achieve its target of becoming a one-trillion-dollar economy.
Point of View
Which has long dominated North India's air freight. With 55 per cent of India's mobile phone production concentrated in the Noida belt, a dedicated cargo terminal here was overdue. The real differentiator, if it materialises, will be the railway connectivity: no Indian cargo airport currently offers that, and it could fundamentally alter last-mile economics for exporters. The six-month timeline for international cargo is the number to watch — execution delays at greenfield airports are common, and the hub's commercial credibility hinges on that deadline holding.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Noida International Airport start cargo operations?
Noida International Airport in Jewar commenced cargo operations on 17 June 2025, with the inaugural Boeing 737-800F flight arriving from Chennai carrying approximately 20 tonnes of mixed cargo. The launch came just days after the airport began commercial passenger services.
Who operates the cargo terminal at Noida International Airport?
The 87-acre cargo terminal at Noida International Airport will be operated by AISATS, as confirmed by Shailendra Bhatia, Nodal Officer for NIAL. The inaugural cargo flight was operated by Afcom Holdings.
When will international cargo flights begin at Jewar airport?
According to airport officials, international cargo flights are expected to commence within the next six months. The airport is also planned to become India's only cargo hub directly connected to the railway network.
Why is the Noida airport cargo hub significant for electronics exports?
The Noida-Greater Noida region manufactures approximately 55 per cent of India's mobile phones, making a dedicated air cargo hub here strategically important for electronics exports. Officials say the terminal will also boost exports of pharmaceuticals, food products, and agricultural goods.
What is the long-term capacity plan for Noida International Airport?
The airport plans to develop five runways over the coming years, raising annual passenger capacity to 225 million. The current first phase has one operational runway and a capacity of 70 million passengers, with the second runway under construction.
