Noida International Airport gets security clearance after Indian CEO appointment

Noida- Noida International Airport has received crucial aerodrome security clearance, marking a significant step towards becoming operational, officials said.

The approval for the Aerodrome Security Program (ASP) was granted by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, confirming that the airport’s security protocols and systems meet regulatory requirements.

In a statement, airport authorities said the clearance reflects readiness on the security front and paves the way for the next phase, including coordination with airlines and partners to finalise the launch of commercial operations.

The development comes just days after Nitu Samra, the airport’s chief finance officer, was appointed interim chief executive officer. Her appointment followed regulatory objections to a foreign national holding the CEO position at a greenfield airport in India.

Earlier, Swiss national Christoph Schnellmann, who had been leading the project since 2020, stepped down from the CEO role and moved to a board-level position after the clearance issue was raised.

The airport is being developed by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG. Officials said the leadership restructuring was carried out in line with aviation security norms that mandate an Indian national to serve as CEO for such projects.

Authorities added that efforts are now focused on ensuring operational readiness, with emphasis on safety, efficiency, and a smooth rollout once flight services begin.