Noida: Villagers whose land was acquired for the development of Noida International Airport on Monday became a part of a historic moment as they boarded the first passenger flight from the newly operational airport, flying to Lucknow.
Many women, part of the group from the Jewar region of Gautam Buddh Nagar, held boarding passes in their hands as they arrived at the airport for the first flight from the greenfield facility.
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They were set to be received by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow.
The passengers included families who sold their ancestral land for the first phase of the project to witness a transformational change of their cropfields.
"We are very delighted and obliged to travel on the first flight from Noida International Airport to Lucknow. What we envisioned is becoming a reality before us today," Abrar Khan, a passenger, said.
Khan said they got an invitation to be part of the first flight from the chief minister. A matter of honour, he added.
Hera Rashid, a young woman from a nearby village, said it was a historic moment.
"We will experience the first flight. It is free for us, and we will meet Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow," she said.
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A farmer, aged around 65, who was on the flight, said he gave 30 bighas of his land for the airport and was happy to see development. "We were also promised a job but are yet to get it," he claimed.
Another female passenger said the opportunity to be part of the first flight was a matter of pride for the villagers.
Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh said the launch of passenger services was not only the beginning of an air route but also a reflection of the contribution of farmers in the airport's journey.
"The very families who dedicated their ancestral land for the national interest and the state's bright future are today taking to the skies from that same soil," he said.
Hands that once tilled the land now hold boarding passes, he said.
"When the farmers of Jewar boarded the flight to Lucknow today, it was not merely their journey; it was a historic flight representing India's development, the dignity of farmers and a transforming Uttar Pradesh," the lawmaker said.
Noida International Airport began passenger flight operations on Monday, connecting the region with Lucknow and other destinations.
The airport is expected to strengthen connectivity and support economic activity in western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the airport on November 25, 2021. He inaugurated the airport on March 28 this year.
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