Modi Inaugurates Noida International Airport Amid ‘Ghost Airport’ Debate
On 28 March 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Phase 1 of the Noida International Airport in Uttar Pradesh, a major infrastructure project expected to handle around 12 million passengers annually and ease congestion at Delhi’s existing airport.
However, the development has sparked debate online after RTI-based reports highlighted that several airports launched under the UDAN scheme since 2021—such as Kushinagar and Azamgarh—have seen limited or suspended commercial operations due to low demand. In contrast, Ayodhya has remained active, driven largely by religious tourism linked to the Ram Mandir.
Residents in areas surrounding underutilized airports have expressed concerns over unmet expectations, particularly regarding employment and local development after land acquisition. The discussion has led to comparisons between so-called “ghost airports” and the government’s long-term infrastructure strategy.
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