Noida Airport Speeds Up Security Improvements; Conditional NOC Likely

Noida, Uttar Pradesh: Efforts to address security lapses at Noida (Jewar) Airport have gained momentum following findings from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and CISF audit conducted in December. Sources report that the airport underwent a follow-up audit in January, which showed rapid progress in rectifying deficiencies. Work is underway on concrete boundary walls, watchtowers, fencing, and other critical security measures.

During the December audit, more than 25 security lapses were identified, including inadequate fencing in place of the planned concrete boundary wall and the absence of suitable watchtowers for CISF personnel. Following these findings, airport management has implemented measures to address the gaps, including installation of iron fencing, construction of watchtowers, deployment of over 6,000 CCTV cameras, and enhancement of restricted security zones to prevent unauthorized access.

Sources indicate that BCAS may now grant Noida Airport a conditional No Objection Certificate (NOC). The conditional NOC would allow the airport to operate temporarily, provided all pending security tasks are completed within a stipulated timeframe, with the airport management giving an official undertaking. This NOC does not imply that flight operations can begin without meeting full security standards. Full operational approval, allowing take-offs and landings, will only be granted once the airport complies with all mandated security protocols.

Since failing the December audit, the airport has reportedly been working at “war footing” to implement all required measures to meet BCAS standards, including concrete boundary walls, PIDS alert systems to detect wall breaches, watchtowers for CISF personnel, extensive CCTV coverage, and robust control over secure areas.