The upcoming cargo operations at Noida International Airport are expected to transform the logistics ecosystem across Noida, Greater Noida and western Uttar Pradesh by providing exporters and manufacturers with a dedicated airfreight gateway closer to major industrial clusters.
Industry stakeholders believe the airport’s cargo facilities will offer a competitive alternative to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport by reducing transportation delays, logistics costs and cargo processing times. Sectors expected to benefit include garments and e-commerce.
The development is also expected to support exports under Uttar Pradesh’s One District One Product (ODOP) programme, which promotes district-specific products and traditional industries across the state.
Industry representatives noted that cargo movement to and from Delhi often faces operational challenges due to traffic congestion and truck movement restrictions. While IGI Airport handled more than 1.1 million tonnes of cargo last year, the large volume frequently results in delays in customs clearance and cargo delivery. In contrast, Noida International Airport will begin operations with an annual cargo handling capacity of 250,000 tonnes, providing additional capacity and potentially faster processing times.
Noida and Greater Noida have emerged as major industrial centres, housing nearly 12,000 manufacturing units across sectors including garments, and footwear. These industries depend heavily on the import of raw materials and export of finished products.
Vipin Malhan, President of the Noida Entrepreneurs Association, said industrial units in the region had traditionally relied on IGI Airport for cargo services due to the absence of alternatives. However, he noted that challenges such as heavy cargo traffic, congestion and higher warehousing costs at Delhi Airport had created demand for a more efficient logistics option. Malhan said businesses in Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway region were expected to increasingly utilise Noida Airport’s cargo services once operations commence.
Although Noida International Airport is currently handling only domestic passenger operations, international flights and cargo services are expected to commence within the next six months.
Officials believe the cargo facility will not only benefit large industries but also support thousands of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and businesses operating under the ODOP programme across Uttar Pradesh.
Shailendra Bhatia, NIAL Nodal Officer, said the cargo hub had the potential to transform logistics infrastructure not only in Noida but across western Uttar Pradesh. He noted that established industrial centres such as Noida, Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) region require efficient export infrastructure, while businesses in districts including Ghaziabad, Meerut, Hapur, Aligarh and Agra could also benefit from improved cargo connectivity.
Ramanathan Rajmani, Chief Executive Officer of AISATS, noted that the cargo terminal had been designed to combine cargo handling, warehousing and multimodal connectivity within a single platform, enabling faster and more efficient movement of goods. He added that the facility would strengthen trade flows, support businesses across northern India and contribute to India’s expanding role in global commerce.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
