Comparing Jewar and IGI Airport is important because both airports are expected to serve the same region but with very different roles. As passenger numbers rise, travellers need clarity on what each airport offers and how it affects their journey.
Growing air traffic in Delhi–NCR
Delhi–NCR is one of India’s busiest aviation regions, with millions of domestic and international passengers flying every year. Business travel, tourism, and population growth have pushed air traffic beyond earlier projections. This rapid increase has put immense pressure on existing airport infrastructure, especially at IGI Airport.
Need for multiple airports in one region
Relying on a single major airport is no longer practical for a metro region like Delhi–NCR. Multiple airports help distribute passenger load, reduce delays, and improve overall efficiency. Jewar Airport is being developed to support IGI Airport and create a balanced multi-airport system for the region.
Location and Distance: Jewar vs IGI Airport
Location plays a major role in deciding which airport passengers prefer, especially when travel time and accessibility are involved.
Distance of Jewar Airport from Delhi
Jewar Airport is located in Greater Noida, around 70–75 km from central Delhi. It is closer to areas like Noida, Greater Noida, and parts of western Uttar Pradesh. For passengers living or working in these regions, Jewar Airport may eventually become a more convenient option despite being farther from Delhi city.
Location advantage of IGI Airport
IGI Airport enjoys a strong location advantage as it sits within Delhi itself. Its proximity to South Delhi, Central Delhi, and Gurugram makes it the first choice for many travellers. For international passengers and frequent flyers, this central location often means shorter travel times and easier planning.
Travel time comparison for passengers
Travel time to IGI Airport is currently much shorter for most Delhi residents due to established roads and metro access. Jewar Airport may take longer initially, but upcoming expressways and transport links are expected to reduce travel time significantly, especially for passengers coming from Noida and nearby regions.
Passenger Capacity and Airport Size
One of the biggest differences between Jewar and IGI Airport is how many passengers they can handle and the space available for expansion. This affects crowd management, flight schedules, and future growth.
Jewar Airport passenger handling capacity
Jewar Airport is being designed as one of India’s largest airports. In its initial phase, it is expected to handle 12–15 million passengers per year, with plans to scale up to up to 60 million in later phases. The large area and modern terminals aim to reduce congestion and provide a comfortable travel experience from day one.
IGI Airport current capacity and congestion
IGI Airport currently handles over 70 million passengers annually, and this number is growing every year. Despite multiple terminals, the airport often experiences congestion, especially during peak hours and holiday seasons. Long check-in lines and crowded lounges are common complaints from passengers.
Future expansion plans comparison
While IGI Airport does have expansion plans, it is limited by space constraints and urban surroundings. Jewar, on the other hand, has vast land available for future phases, allowing for more runways, larger terminals, and additional facilities. This gives Jewar a clear advantage for long-term growth and reduced crowding.
Terminal Design and Passenger Experience
The airport terminal is where passengers spend most of their time, so design, layout, and facilities play a huge role in shaping the travel experience. Jewar and IGI Airport have very different approaches here.
Terminal layout and facilities at Jewar Airport
Jewar Airport is being built with modern, spacious terminals to handle high passenger volumes smoothly. Key features include:
• Large check-in areas with multiple counters to avoid long queues • State-of-the-art lounges and waiting areas
• Modern baggage handling systems for faster luggage processing • Plenty of retail, food, and duty-free options for passenger convenience
The focus is on efficient movement, comfort, and aesthetics, making the airport feel less crowded even during peak hours.
Passenger experience at IGI Airport
GI Airport has multiple terminals catering to domestic and international flights. While it offers premium lounges, extensive shopping, and dining options, the experience can vary due to high passenger density. Passengers often report:
• Longer check-in and security wait times
• Crowded boarding gates during peak hours
• Limited seating in some areas
Despite this, IGI’s familiarity and well-established facilities make it a trusted choice for frequent flyers.
Ease of navigation and comfort levels
Jewar Airport promises a simpler, more intuitive layout thanks to its modern planning. Signage, pathways, and transport within the airport are designed to reduce stress. IGI, being older, can sometimes feel busy and confusing, especially for first-time travellers.
Connectivity and Transport Options
An airport’s usefulness depends heavily on how easily passengers can reach it. Jewar and IGI Airport offer very different transport experiences.
Road and expressway connectivity to Jewar Airport
Jewar Airport is well-planned with major expressways and highways linking it to Delhi and Noida:
• Noida–Greater Noida Expressway connects central Noida quickly
• Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) and upcoming spur roads improve access from Ghaziabad, Faridabad, and western Uttar Pradesh
• Dedicated airport shuttle and taxi services will further ease commuting
While travel time may initially be longer than IGI, these connections will reduce congestion and offer smooth rides in the coming years.
Metro and rail connectivity at IGI Airport
IGI Airport is already well-connected via Delhi Metro, with:
• Airport Express Line linking New Delhi railway station and central Delhi • Easy access from Gurugram and South Delhi through metro and road • Multiple cab and bus services for last-mile connectivity
This makes IGI Airport highly convenient for city travellers and international passengers.
Future transport links for Jewar
Jewar Airport’s long-term connectivity plans include:
• Metro extension from Noida/Greater Noida to the airport
• Potential high-speed rail connections to Delhi
• Dedicated bus corridors and app-based cab services
Once complete, Jewar will rival IGI in accessibility, especially for residents of Noida, Greater Noida, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Flight Options and Airline Presence
When choosing an airport, passengers often look at the number of flights, destinations, and airlines available. Jewar and IGI offer very different experiences here.
Domestic and international routes from Jewar
Jewar Airport is being developed as a major hub for both domestic and international flights, but it will start with limited operations initially:
• Focus on domestic routes connecting Delhi–NCR to key cities across India
• International flights planned for popular destinations in Asia, Middle East, and Europe
• Some low-cost carriers expected to prioritise Jewar for cost efficiency
Passengers can expect modern terminals and less congestion, but fewer immediate flight options compared to IGI.
Airline hubs and route network at IGI
IGI Airport is India’s busiest airport and serves as a hub for multiple airlines: • Extensive domestic and international network
• Frequent flights to major Indian cities, Southeast Asia, Europe, Middle East, and the US
• Hub for full-service and low-cost carriers, offering flexible timings and frequent flights
This makes IGI the go-to airport for passengers needing more choices and convenient schedules.
Which airport offers more flight choices?
Currently, IGI Airport clearly offers more flight options for both domestic and international travel. Jewar will gradually increase its flight network as operations scale up, and eventually, it could rival IGI in capacity.
Ticket Prices and Operational Costs
The cost of flying from an airport depends on airport charges, airline operating costs, and the type of carriers using the airport. Jewar and IGI differ significantly here.
Airport charges and airline operating costs
• IGI Airport has established infrastructure but higher operational costs due to congestion, landing fees, and terminal charges.
• Jewar Airport, being new, will have lower airport charges and operational costs for airlines, which can make it more attractive for carriers, especially low cost ones.
Impact on airfares for passengers
Lower operating costs at Jewar can translate into cheaper tickets for passengers, particularly for domestic and budget flights. IGI flights may be slightly higher in price due to infrastructure and higher demand.
Low-cost carrier preference
Many low-cost carriers are likely to prefer Jewar Airport for its cost efficiency and ample space. IGI remains a hub for premium and frequent flyers, while Jewar may become the hotspot for budget-conscious travellers.
Cargo and Logistics Capabilities
Airports aren’t just about passengers—they also play a critical role in cargo movement and business logistics. Jewar and IGI have different capacities and focus areas.
Cargo handling capacity at Jewar Airport
Jewar Airport is being designed with modern cargo terminals to support fast-growing trade:
• Dedicated zones for perishables, electronics, and e-commerce shipments • Advanced storage and handling systems to reduce turnaround times • Large capacity to manage both domestic and international cargo efficiently
This makes it a promising hub for freight-heavy operations, especially for industries in western Uttar Pradesh and NCR.
IGI Airport’s role as a cargo hub
IGI Airport is already a major cargo hub in North India, handling:
• Millions of tonnes of goods every year
• High-value exports like pharmaceuticals, textiles, and electronics • Limited expansion space, leading to occasional congestion in peak seasons While IGI handles huge volumes, space constraints may limit future growth.
Impact on businesses and exports
Jewar Airport’s cargo capabilities could ease pressure on IGI, reduce delays, and improve logistics efficiency. Businesses around NCR, especially in Noida and Greater Noida, will benefit from faster shipment times and potentially lower freight costs.
Sustainability and Green Features
Modern airports are not just about flights—they also need to be eco-friendly and energy-efficient. Jewar and IGI have different approaches when it comes to sustainability.
Green airport design at Jewar
Jewar Airport is being planned with eco-conscious design principles: • Large green belts and landscaped areas within the airport
• Energy-efficient terminals with LED lighting and smart HVAC systems
• Rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems
• Solar power installations to reduce dependency on the grid
The aim is to create India’s first large-scale, environmentally sustainable airport, reducing carbon footprint while enhancing passenger comfort.
Sustainability initiatives at IGI Airport
IGI Airport has also implemented several green initiatives:
• Waste management and segregation programs
• Solar power generation for some terminals
• Energy-efficient lighting and water conservation measures
However, being an older airport, IGI is constrained in fully modernising its infrastructure for sustainability.
Which airport is more eco-friendly?
Jewar has a clear advantage in sustainability since it’s designed from scratch with green principles. IGI is improving, but space and legacy infrastructure limit its eco friendly potential.
Future Growth and Expansion Potential
The long-term potential of an airport determines how well it can handle increasing traffic, new routes, and larger aircraft. Jewar and IGI are on very different paths here.
Long-term development plans for Jewar
Jewar Airport is designed with massive future growth in mind:
• Multiple runways planned to accommodate more flights
• Terminal expansions to handle up to 60 million passengers annually • Additional cargo facilities to support trade and logistics
• Space for commercial developments like hotels, shopping, and aviation-related businesses
This makes Jewar a long-term solution for Delhi–NCR’s aviation needs.
Space constraints at IGI Airport
IGI Airport faces significant space limitations:
• Surrounded by urban development, leaving little room for additional runways
• Terminal expansion possible, but limited by land availability
• Increasing congestion may continue despite upgrades
While IGI remains vital, its growth potential is restricted.
Role in NCR’s multi-airport system
With Jewar complementing IGI, the Delhi–NCR region will benefit from a multi-airport system:
• Passenger traffic can be balanced between the two airports
• Delays and congestion at IGI can be reduced
• Businesses and travellers have more choices depending on convenience, price, and flight availability
This system ensures sustainable growth and smoother air travel for the entire region.
Pros and Cons: Jewar Airport vs IGI Airport
Choosing between Jewar and IGI Airport depends on what matters most to you— convenience, flight options, cost, or comfort.
Advantages of choosing Jewar Airport
• Spacious and modern terminals with less crowding
• Lower operational costs, potentially cheaper flights
• Planned for long-term growth, including more runways and cargo facilities • Eco-friendly and green design
• Good connectivity to Noida, Greater Noida, and western Uttar Pradesh
Advantages of choosing IGI Airport
• Central location in Delhi for quicker access from most parts of the city • Extensive domestic and international flight options
• Established infrastructure with multiple terminals, lounges, and shopping • Well-connected via metro, rail, and road
• Trusted and familiar for frequent flyers
Who should fly from which airport?
• Choose Jewar Airport if you value modern facilities, lower crowding, eco friendliness, or live closer to Noida/Greater Noida.
• Choose IGI Airport if you prioritise convenience, more flight choices, and easy access from Delhi city or Gurugram.
Jewar or IGI – Which Airport Should You Choose?
Both Jewar and IGI Airport have their unique strengths, and the choice ultimately depends on your priorities as a traveller.
• IGI Airport remains the best option for passengers who need central access, frequent flight options, and established facilities. Its convenience and wide airline network make it ideal for international travellers and those living in Delhi or Gurugram.
• Jewar Airport is perfect for passengers looking for a modern, spacious airport with less congestion, potentially lower fares, and excellent future growth. It will particularly benefit residents of Noida, Greater Noida, and western Uttar Pradesh once full connectivity is in place.
In the coming years, as Jewar Airport becomes fully operational and connectivity improves, it may share the limelight with IGI, creating a balanced, efficient multi airport system for Delhi–NCR. For now, your choice comes down to location, convenience, and flight options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jewar Airport is approximately 70–75 km from central Delhi, roughly a 1.5–2 hour drive depending on traffic. Expressways and future metro links will reduce travel time further.
Potentially, yes. Jewar Airport’s lower airport charges and operational costs are attractive to airlines, especially low-cost carriers, which can result in more budget friendly fares for passengers.
