Airport – Noida International Airport Completes Key Operational Flight Assessment
Airport – The Noida International Airport moved a step closer to beginning commercial services after successfully conducting a comprehensive operational flight trial on Tuesday. The exercise was carried out ahead of the airport’s planned launch of regular passenger operations on June 15 and involved an IndiGo aircraft to evaluate several critical airport functions under real-time conditions.
Full-Scale Trial Conducted Before Commercial Launch
According to an official statement issued by airport authorities, the airport completed a detailed aircraft turnaround exercise as part of its Operational Readiness, Activation and Transition (ORAT) programme. The drill was organized in collaboration with IndiGo and several aviation service partners to assess how different airport systems and teams perform together during routine flight operations.
The trial was designed to replicate the entire process that an aircraft experiences while stationed at the airport, from arrival and passenger handling to departure preparations. Officials said the objective was to ensure smooth coordination among all stakeholders before the airport begins serving commercial passengers.
Testing of Critical Airport Infrastructure
During the exercise, airport teams evaluated a range of important infrastructure and operational systems. These included visual docking guidance technology used to assist aircraft parking, passenger boarding bridges, and ground power facilities that support aircraft while parked at the terminal.
In addition, baggage movement systems and cargo-handling procedures were tested to verify their efficiency and readiness. Authorities noted that these systems are essential for maintaining timely airport operations and delivering a smooth passenger experience once regular flights commence.
Ground Services and Navigation Systems Reviewed
The trial also included assessments of several ground-handling functions. Catering services, aircraft servicing procedures, and operational support activities were carried out under simulated conditions. Refuelling scenarios were additionally examined as part of broader preparedness measures aimed at ensuring safe and uninterrupted airport operations.
Airport officials confirmed that technical validation of aviation navigation systems was also completed. This included the re-verification of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Required Navigation Performance (RNP) approach procedures, both of which play a significant role in supporting aircraft navigation and landing operations.
ORAT Exercises Continue Ahead of Opening Day
The turnaround assessment forms part of a larger series of ORAT activities being conducted before the airport welcomes commercial flights. These exercises are intended to identify potential operational challenges and ensure that airport departments, airline partners, and service providers can work together efficiently.
Authorities stated that the ongoing programme is focused on guaranteeing seamless coordination across every stage of airport activity. With the scheduled launch date approaching, officials remain focused on completing all remaining readiness checks.
Weather Disruptions Affect Delhi-Bound Flights
Meanwhile, severe weather conditions affected air travel in northern India on Tuesday night. Thunderstorms led to the diversion of 15 incoming flights that were originally scheduled to land in Delhi.
Among the affected services was SpiceJet flight SG 5106 operating from Dubai to Delhi with 63 passengers on board. The aircraft was diverted to Jaipur due to adverse weather conditions around the national capital.
Passengers Transported by Road After Diversion
Following the diversion, the airline arranged alternate travel for passengers. According to available information, the flight could not continue to Delhi because the cockpit crew had reached the maximum flight duty period permitted under aviation regulations.
As a result, the airline organized bus transportation from Jaipur to Delhi, allowing passengers to complete the final leg of their journey. The move was taken to comply with safety and operational requirements governing crew working hours while ensuring passengers reached their destination.