In a major decision, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved a proposal to rename Noida International Airport, popularly known as Jewar Airport, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Jewar Airport renamed proposal was approved on Friday, October 9, 2026, during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.
According to the announcement, the airport’s proposed new name is Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar.
The decision comes as Prime Minister Modi completes 25 years of continuous service as the head of a government, beginning with his appointment as Gujarat Chief Minister in October 2001.
The airport is one of Uttar Pradesh’s largest infrastructure projects and is expected to strengthen air connectivity across Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh.
Why Is Jewar Airport Being Renamed After Narendra Modi?
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced the decision following the state Cabinet meeting.
The Uttar Pradesh government said the renaming proposal recognises Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contribution to the state’s infrastructure development and economic progress.
During the announcement, Adityanath expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for supporting the development of Noida International Airport.
The Cabinet also acknowledged Modi’s 25 years of leadership in government.
The state government described the airport as an important project that could support Uttar Pradesh’s long-term development.
However, the Cabinet’s approval is a state-level decision. Airport renaming proposals generally require approval from the Union government before the official naming process is completed.
What Is the New Name of Jewar Airport?
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the proposed name:
Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar
The airport was previously known as Noida International Airport and is commonly called Jewar Airport because of its location.
It is situated in Jewar, in Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh.
The airport is designed to serve passengers from Noida, Greater Noida, Ghaziabad, Agra, Mathura and nearby regions.
Once the remaining naming formalities are completed, the new name is expected to appear in official airport communications and other relevant records.
When Was Noida International Airport Inaugurated?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of Noida International Airport on March 28, 2026.
The project was developed to improve air connectivity in northern India and reduce pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Commercial flight operations began in June 2026, with an IndiGo aircraft arriving from Lucknow marking an important operational milestone.
The airport was developed under a public-private partnership model involving the Uttar Pradesh government and Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.
The project represents a major investment in India’s growing aviation sector.
How Much Did Jewar Airport Cost?
The first phase of Noida International Airport was developed with an investment of approximately ₹11,200 crore.
The airport includes modern passenger facilities, aviation infrastructure and systems designed to support domestic and international operations.
Some important features include:
- A 3,900-metre runway.
- Initial passenger handling capacity of around 1.2 crore passengers annually.
- Modern navigation and landing systems.
- Facilities for passenger and cargo operations.
- Planned expansion to handle approximately 7 crore passengers annually in the long term.
The airport is expected to grow in phases as passenger demand increases.
Its development is also intended to support investment, employment and business activity across the region.
How Will Jewar Airport Benefit Delhi-NCR?
The airport is expected to play an important role in improving transportation across the National Capital Region.
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport handles significant passenger traffic, and the new airport at Jewar provides additional aviation capacity.
Residents of Noida, Greater Noida and several western Uttar Pradesh districts could benefit from more convenient access to air travel.
The airport is located near the Yamuna Expressway, providing road connectivity to important cities.
Additional transport links are also being developed to improve access.
The project could support tourism, logistics, warehousing, hotels and other businesses.
Improved cargo facilities may also help companies transport goods more efficiently.
However, the full economic impact will depend on future flight operations, passenger demand and the completion of supporting infrastructure.
How Are Airports Renamed in India?
Airport naming and renaming in India involve administrative approvals.
A state government can recommend a new name, but the proposal generally requires consideration and approval by the Union government.
Once the necessary approvals are completed, official records and relevant aviation communications can be updated.
Several Indian airports are named after prominent political leaders and historical personalities.
Examples include Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata.
The proposal to name Jewar Airport after Prime Minister Narendra Modi is notable because he is a serving Prime Minister.
What Happens Next?
Following the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet’s approval, the proposal is expected to proceed through the required central government process.
Further announcements may clarify when the new name will be formally adopted across official records, airport signage and aviation systems.
The renaming itself does not automatically change flight schedules, ticket bookings or airport operations.
Passengers should continue following information issued by airlines and airport authorities.
Conclusion
The Uttar Pradesh Cabinet’s decision to rename Jewar Airport as Narendra Modi International Airport, Noida-Jewar, marks an important political and administrative development.
The government says the proposal recognises Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s contribution to the state’s infrastructure growth and his 25 years of leadership in government.
As one of Uttar Pradesh’s biggest aviation projects, the airport is expected to support connectivity, investment and economic development.
The next important step will be the completion of the required formal approval process.
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