Noida airport renamed Narendra Modi International Airport by UP Cabinet
Synopsis
Uttar Pradesh's Cabinet has renamed the upcoming Jewar airport — projected to become one of Asia's largest — after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his 25 years in public service. With a 12-million-passenger first phase already inaugurated, the symbolic renaming doubles as a political statement ahead of future state milestones.
Key Takeaways
UP Cabinet on 9 October 2026 passed a resolution renaming Noida International Airport, Jewar as Narendra Modi International Airport .
The renaming honours PM Modi's 25 years of public service.
The airport's first phase was inaugurated by PM Modi in March 2026 with an initial capacity of 12 million passengers annually .
Upon completion of all four phases , the airport is set to be among Asia's largest aviation hubs .
The Cabinet also approved 1,725 new electric buses for 18 municipal corporation areas across UP.
Over 65 lakh houses delivered under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana ; free food grains reach 3.67 crore ration cardholders in the state.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday, 9 October 2026, announced that the Noida International Airport in Jewar will be renamed the Narendra Modi International Airport, following a Cabinet resolution honouring Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service. The UP Cabinet cleared a total of 39 proposals during the same meeting.
The Renaming Decision
Addressing a press conference after the Cabinet session, Chief Minister Adityanath declared: 'It is a moment of immense pride for the UP Cabinet as it is from the land of UP (Varanasi) that PM Modi was elected as MP.' He described the Prime Minister's quarter-century of public service as 'pivotal to the development' of both the nation and the state.
Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with leaders from alliance partners, were present at the announcement. Adityanath cited the Prime Minister's role in constructing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, developing the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, and securing the repatriation of the idol of Goddess Annapurna from abroad as defining achievements of Modi's tenure.
About the Jewar Airport
The Jewar Airport — billed as UP's largest airport — was inaugurated in its first phase by Prime Minister Modi in March 2026. Its initial annual passenger capacity is estimated at approximately 12 million. Upon completion of all four phases, the airport is projected to rank among Asia's largest aviation hubs.
'The UP Cabinet is grateful to PM Modi for gifting Noida International Airport to the state,' Adityanath said. 'Therefore, the Cabinet has passed the resolution to rename the airport as Narendra Modi International Airport, Jewar, Noida,' he added.
Broader Connectivity and Development Push
The Chief Minister highlighted that infrastructure in UP has transformed significantly since 2017, with the rollout of expressways, highways, the Metro rail network, and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). He pointed to the BrahMos missile manufacturing unit and the PM MITRA Textile Park in Lucknow as new anchors of industrial growth generating investment and employment.
Separately, Energy and Urban Development Minister Arvind Kumar Sharma announced the deployment of 1,725 new electric buses across 18 municipal corporation areas to upgrade urban transport. Under the procurement policy, 50 per cent of the buses will be sourced from the lowest-bidding company, while the remainder will come from manufacturers based within Uttar Pradesh.
Welfare and the 'Viksit Bharat' Commitment
Adityanath also underscored welfare measures cleared in the Cabinet session, noting that over 65 lakh houses have been provided under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and free food grains are being distributed to 3.67 crore ration cardholders across the state. The UP Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' 2027.
With the formal renaming resolution now passed, the airport's official designation is expected to be updated through the requisite central and regulatory approvals in the coming weeks.
Point of View
Timed to Modi's 25-year public service milestone, is as much a political signal ahead of state-level cycles as it is an administrative act. The Jewar project's real legacy will be determined by whether it delivers on its Asia-scale ambitions and generates the economic activity UP's logistics push promises — the name on the terminal will matter far less than the connectivity it provides.
NationPress
9 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name of Noida International Airport?
The Noida International Airport in Jewar has been renamed Narendra Modi International Airport, following a resolution passed by the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on 9 October 2026. The renaming marks Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25 years of public service.
Why did the UP Cabinet rename the Jewar airport after PM Modi?
The UP Cabinet passed the resolution to honour Prime Minister Modi's 25-year tenure in public service. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the PM's contributions as pivotal to the development of both UP and the nation.
When was the Jewar airport inaugurated and what is its capacity?
The first phase of the Jewar airport was inaugurated by PM Modi in March 2026. Its initial annual passenger capacity is approximately 12 million, and upon completion of all four phases it is projected to rank among Asia's largest airports.
What other decisions did the UP Cabinet take on 9 October 2026?
The UP Cabinet approved a total of 39 proposals, including the deployment of 1,725 new electric buses across 18 municipal corporation areas and reaffirmed welfare measures such as houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and free food grains for 3.67 crore ration cardholders.
How will the Jewar airport affect UP's economy?
The Jewar airport is expected to boost air connectivity and economic activity in Uttar Pradesh, with Chief Minister Adityanath describing it as the state's biggest aviation hub of the future. It complements broader infrastructure investments including expressways, the Metro, and the Regional Rapid Transit System.
