Skip IGI, Save Rs 2,500: Mumbai Flyers Are Choosing Jewar Over Delhi
Skip IGI, Save Rs 2,500: Mumbai Flyers Are Choosing Jewar Over Delhi Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 17:26 IST 30 minutes to Jewar
Skip IGI, Save Rs 2,500: Mumbai Flyers Are Choosing Jewar Over Delhi Published By, Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 17:26 IST 30 minutes to Jewar vs 100 minutes to IGI - a university professor says Noida's new airport is closer, cheaper and far less of a walk than Delhi. For cost-conscious flyers, the NIA-NMIA route is already making a case for itself. When Sarita Parmar needs to visit her family in Mathura from Navi Mumbai, she typically faces a 1,300-km train journey. On Tuesday, she did it differently — boarding Akasa Air’s inaugural flight linking Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) with the newly opened Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar. According to Hindustan Times, the flight carried 185 passengers and marked the first direct air connection between India’s two newest greenfield airports. The route is already near-housefull and the response to bookings, according to an airline official, was better than anticipated.
What Does It Mean For Your Wallet? For cost-conscious flyers, the NIA-NMIA route is already making a case for itself. Bhavika Bhanushali, a Ghatkopar resident who frequently flies to Delhi, told the Hindustan Times she chose Jewar specifically because the fare was at least Rs 2,500 cheaper than comparable options — a difference that adds up quickly for regular travellers. Why Are Passengers Choosing Jewar Over Delhi Airport? Beyond price, the convenience factor is significant. Dr Rupali Srivastava, who teaches at Gautam Buddha University, was quoted by HT as saying she reached NIA in just 30 minutes from Noida — compared to at least 100 minutes for the drive to Delhi’s IGI Airport. She also noted the compact terminal meant considerably less walking. How Big Is The Market? Aviation advisory firm CAPA India’s CEO Kapil Kaul told the publication that NIA’s catchment area accounts for 10–12 million passengers and nearly 40 per cent of NCR’s cargo traffic.
“Noida and Navi Mumbai airports will emerge as new growth centres for aviation. We expect significant traffic between the two airports, which will continue to grow," he said. What’s The Current Capacity At NIA? NIA, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March, currently handles around 20 daily flight movements and is expected to scale to 35 by next month. All operations are currently restricted to daytime; night operations will begin once international flights launch. Any Concerns? A former airline executive cautioned HT that landside connectivity remained a key challenge, warning that passengers would not tolerate inadequate metro and road access for long. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad.
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