The much-awaited Noida International Airport at Jewar is facing fresh delays as serious security-related shortcomings have emerged during inspections by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Due to these unresolved issues, the airport is unlikely to receive its mandatory security clearance anytime soon, pushing back the start of flight operations further.
Major Security Shortcomings Flagged
According to officials, the airport infrastructure is still not fully ready. There is a significant shortage of lighting across key areas, and the surveillance system is far from complete. Against the planned installation of nearly 6,000 CCTV cameras, only around 1,000 cameras have been installed so far.
Additionally, the Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) — designed to prevent unauthorized entry by scaling the airport boundary wall — has failed to function effectively. BCAS has also raised objections regarding the aerobridges, stating that they do not yet meet required security standards.
Foreign CEO Becomes a Regulatory Challenge
Another major obstacle is the nationality of the airport operator’s top management. As per BCAS security norms, the CEO of an airport operating company must be an Indian citizen. In the case of Noida International Airport, CEO Christoph Schnellmann, a Swiss national, and Chief Development Officer Nikolas Schenk, also a foreign national, require special clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Officials confirmed that the approval process is currently underway, but until clearance is granted, BCAS cannot issue security certification.
Bomb Disposal Equipment Yet to Be Certified
Security concerns have also been raised by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) regarding bomb disposal equipment. The specialized equipment imported from Germany has not yet been certified. While airport authorities claim a replacement system is being sourced from Canada, certification remains pending.
Aerodrome Licence Hinges on BCAS Report
For airport operations to begin, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) must issue an aerodrome licence. However, this can only happen once BCAS submits its final security clearance report to the DGCA.
Given the current situation, officials indicate that even a January inauguration appears unlikely. Even if the airport is inaugurated symbolically, commercial flight operations may begin 45 days later at the earliest. Initially, only domestic flights are expected to be operational.
