Video: IndiGo pilot's tribute to farmers who boarded Noida airport's first flight
Nearly 170 villagers from the Jewar region, whose land was acquired for the development of Noida International Airport, boarded the first passenger flights from the newly operational airport on Monday.
The first flight to depart from Noida International Airport as it commenced commercial operations on Monday carried farmers and their family members who had given up their land for the project. Before the IndiGo flight took off for Lucknow, the crew paid tribute to the farmers with a poem, acknowledging their contribution to the airport's development.
"By turning soil into gold, he feeds the entire world. He seeks neither attention nor personal gain. Through hard work, he sows seeds and fills lives with happiness," the pilot announced in a poetic address to the passengers.
He continued, "Whenever you plough the fields, Mother Earth smiles. Through your rough and hardworking hands, the hunger of the world is satisfied."
"O provider of food, O farmer brother, we bow our heads in respect before you. For your noble service, we offer our heartfelt gratitude and thanks," he concluded.
Nearly 170 villagers from the Jewar region, whose land was acquired for the development of Noida International Airport, were among the passengers on one of the airport's first commercial flights.
The passengers later met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence in Lucknow, where the government and the farmers reflected on a project that transformed more than 1,300 hectares of farmland into one of India's largest greenfield airports.
The IndiGo flight to Lucknow departed shortly after the airport received its first commercial arrival of IndiGo flight 6E 2278 from Lucknow carrying 182 passengers, including Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, Chief Secretary SP Goyal, actor Gul Panag and airline officials. The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water-cannon salute.
The pilot of the inbound flight from Lucknow also addressed passengers, describing the occasion as a dream-come-true moment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the airport in November 2021 and inaugurated it in March this year. Originally scheduled to begin operations in September 2024, the airport has been developed under a public-private partnership model.
Addressing the gathering in Lucknow, Adityanath recalled the resistance that initially greeted the land acquisition proposal. He said he had then asked farmers to take an hour to consider the offer and assured them that the airport would transform the region's future.
"I told them that this airport would change your future. Opportunities come only once; those who recognise them become part of history," he said, adding that the farmers eventually trusted the government's assurance and the project moved forward.
In its first phase, the airport has an annual passenger handling capacity of 12 million, a 3,900-metre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, and modern all-weather operational facilities. Planned for expansion in multiple phases, the airport's capacity is expected to reach 70 million passengers annually, positioning it as a major aviation and logistics hub in Asia.
The first flight to depart from Noida International Airport as it commenced commercial operations on Monday carried farmers and their family members who had given up their land for the project. Before the IndiGo flight took off for Lucknow, the crew paid tribute to the farmers with a poem, acknowledging their contribution to the airport's development.
"By turning soil into gold, he feeds the entire world. He seeks neither attention nor personal gain. Through hard work, he sows seeds and fills lives with happiness," the pilot announced in a poetic address to the passengers.
He continued, "Whenever you plough the fields, Mother Earth smiles. Through your rough and hardworking hands, the hunger of the world is satisfied."
"O provider of food, O farmer brother, we bow our heads in respect before you. For your noble service, we offer our heartfelt gratitude and thanks," he concluded.
Nearly 170 villagers from the Jewar region, whose land was acquired for the development of Noida International Airport, were among the passengers on one of the airport's first commercial flights.
The passengers later met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his residence in Lucknow, where the government and the farmers reflected on a project that transformed more than 1,300 hectares of farmland into one of India's largest greenfield airports.
The IndiGo flight to Lucknow departed shortly after the airport received its first commercial arrival of IndiGo flight 6E 2278 from Lucknow carrying 182 passengers, including Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana, Chief Secretary SP Goyal, actor Gul Panag and airline officials. The aircraft was welcomed with a traditional water-cannon salute.
The pilot of the inbound flight from Lucknow also addressed passengers, describing the occasion as a dream-come-true moment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the airport in November 2021 and inaugurated it in March this year. Originally scheduled to begin operations in September 2024, the airport has been developed under a public-private partnership model.
Addressing the gathering in Lucknow, Adityanath recalled the resistance that initially greeted the land acquisition proposal. He said he had then asked farmers to take an hour to consider the offer and assured them that the airport would transform the region's future.
"I told them that this airport would change your future. Opportunities come only once; those who recognise them become part of history," he said, adding that the farmers eventually trusted the government's assurance and the project moved forward.
In its first phase, the airport has an annual passenger handling capacity of 12 million, a 3,900-metre runway capable of accommodating wide-body aircraft, and modern all-weather operational facilities. Planned for expansion in multiple phases, the airport's capacity is expected to reach 70 million passengers annually, positioning it as a major aviation and logistics hub in Asia.
