The National Capital Region (NCR) reached a historic milestone on Saturday, March 28, 2026, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the first phase of the Noida International Airport (NIA) in Jewar. While the grand opening was marked by cultural performances and a massive crowd of 150,000 people, travelers will have to wait just a bit longer to board their first flights.
Countdown to Takeoff: 45 to 60 Days
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed that commercial operations are scheduled to begin within the next 45 to 60 days (approximately by late May 2026).
- The Final Hurdle: The delay is due to the mandatory issuance of the Airport Security Program (ASP) by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
- What is ASP? It is a comprehensive security blueprint covering access control, screening, and emergency plans. Without this, stakeholders cannot be granted the mandatory Airport Entry Passes (AEP) required to start work.
- Initial Phase: The airport will launch with a single runway dedicated to domestic and cargo flights. International services are slated to begin at a later stage.
Entertainment & IPL 2026 Snippets
As the airport prepares for flight, the world of entertainment and sports is buzzing with its own “high-flying” news:
- Dhurandhar Fever: Actor Sara Arjun’s father, Raj, recently opened up about their bond, praising her for taking care of him like a true “Dhurandhar.” Meanwhile, Sanjana Ganesan went viral for a hilarious dig at husband Jasprit Bumrah, using a popular dialogue from Dhurandhar 2.
- Bollywood Weddings: Rumors are swirling that rapper Badshah has married Punjabi actor Isha Rikhi, following a leaked video of their alleged varmala ceremony.
- Nita Ambani’s Casual Look: Ahead of the 2026 IPL season, Nita Ambani met with the Mumbai Indians squad during training. Ditching her signature couture for a simple pink blouse and jeans, she was seen affectionately greeting Kieron Pollard as “Polly Kaka” and praising Rohit Sharma’s youthful transformation.