The Noida International Airport (NIA), one of the most significant greenfield projects in Uttar Pradesh, has appointed Nitu Sarma as the interim Chief Executive Officer of the airport with effect immediately.
The appointment of a new CEO is to make sure that there is adherence to the requirements of aviation security, which require that individuals in such positions should be Indians.
Nitu Samra, who has been working as the Chief Financial Officer of NIA since October 2021, has become the interim CEO till such time as the selection process is completed. During this period, she has had responsibilities for financial management, strategic planning, and development projects.
The appointment was made by Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL), the operating authority for the airport and subsidiary of Zurich Airport International AG.
Why was Nitu Sarma Appointed as CFO of Noida Airport?
As per the direction by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), the CEO of all airports in India should be an Indian national as a result of the 2011 directive of BCAS related to national security requirements.
Previous Leadership Transition
Christoph Schnellmann, Swiss citizen and CEO since August 2020, assumes the role of Executive Vice Chairman on the Board. He will continue to assist in transitioning NIA’s operational changes and growth strategically. The transition addresses delays in commercial operations following the inauguration.
Noida Airport Specifications
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated NIA’s first phase in Jewar on March 28, 2026, with Rs 11,200 crore investment. Phase 1 caters to 12 million passengers per annum (MPPA), increasing to 70 MPPA, cargo of 2.5 lakh tonnes, and 30 flights per hour.
It has a 3,900-meter runway, ILS navigation, 28 aircraft stands, and 48 check-in counters occupying 1,37,985 square meters Terminal 1; the airport code is DXN.
Domestic and cargo operations are scheduled in late April-May 2026, reducing Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport pressure. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated that operations would begin within 45-60 days from the inauguration. Over 40 acres of land is reserved for MRO operations to enhance aviation in western UP and NCR.
