India (Commonwealth Union)_ The governments of Uttar Pradesh and India have ambitious plans for the proposed airport in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh, envisioning it as the largest airport in the country. The future Noida International Airport in Greater Noida is also expected to have an aerocity, which will feature a range of leisure amenities, in order to increase its revenue base. Christoph Schnellmann, the CEO of Noida Airport, stated that the 172-acre aerocity will feature lodging, dining, shopping, and other facilities. The aerocity is expected to become operational with the completion of the first phase, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2024.
Aerocities have become increasingly popular among airport developers because the revenue generated by them goes solely to the airport operator and is not split with joint venture partners. This is the case with Hyderabad or Delhi airports, where the Airport Authority of India is a minority partner. Aerocities are situated outside of airport premises, and their hotels and restaurants are different from those found within airport grounds. Aerocity revenues are owned exclusively by the airport developer. Currently, the largest aerocity is Hyderabad, which covers 1,500 acres, followed by Delhi with 200 acres. Both of these airports are managed by the GMR Group.
Following the initial phase of operations, the Noida airport, the second airport in the Delhi-National Capital Region, will have one runway and one terminal and be capable of accommodating nearly 12 million travelers per year. Overall, the project will require an estimated total investment of INR 5,730 crore. In 2019, Zurich Airport International AG bagged the deal for the development and administration of the airport. Switzerland-based subsidiary Yamuna International Airport (YIAPL) is responsible for carrying out the initiative.
Roseate Hotels and Resorts revealed plans earlier this year to construct a hotel with over 220 rooms at Noida Airport’s Aerocity. According to Christoph Schnellmann, the distribution of concessions for commercial structures such as restaurants, retailers, and hotels will be done over the next nine months. In addition, the first pod transport in India will operate at Noida International Airport. The Noida International Airport and the Noida International Film City will be connected by a pod transportation route, as planned by the authorities. Further, reports claim that pod taxis in Noida may charge INR 8 per kilometer.
