Director General of Civil Aviation, Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, stated that the runway at Jewar International Airport has been completed. However, the terminal and passenger-related infrastructure are still under development, which is causing a delay in flight operations. He also mentioned that a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub will be established at the site, adding that the airport holds significant potential for future opportunities.
This new airport will boost tourism and connectivity in the region. This will also reduce the load from Delhi’s IGI Airport. It will be a better option for the residents of Greater Noida to catch a flight. The airport at Jewar was supposed to open in September 2024.
On Saturday, he visited Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for the 150th foundation day of Madrasa Ul Uloom. When questioned about the expansion of Aligarh Airport and the launch of domestic flights, he mentioned that since the airport is under state jurisdiction, the government is handling the matter independently. Currently, training flights are operating there. Regarding pilot rest periods, he mentioned that pilots will now receive 48 hours of weekly rest.
Starting July 1, this regulation will apply to pilots across all airlines. Previously, the weekly rest period was 36 hours. The change is being enforced following a court order. Reflecting on his time at AMU, he shared that it was a memorable period. He praised AMU as a reputable institution and expressed gratitude for all that he gained there. Kidwai attended AMU between 1988 and 1993, completing both his Plus Two and undergraduate studies at the university.
