Noida Airport Appoints Nitu Sarma as Interim CEO

Noida International Airport has appointed Nitu Sarma as its interim Chief Executive Officer following directions from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). The change comes as airport CEO positions in India are required to be held by Indian nationals.

Leadership Change at Noida International Airport

Nitu Sarma, who has been serving as the Chief Financial Officer since October 2021, has now taken charge as interim CEO with immediate effect. She will lead the airport until the Board of Directors completes the formal process of selecting a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

BCAS Rule Behind the Appointment

The leadership transition follows instructions issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, which stated that the Chief Executive Officer of an airport operating in India must be an Indian citizen. This regulation led to the restructuring of the airport’s top management.

Christoph Schnellmann Moves to Board Role

Christoph Schnellmann, a Swiss national who served as CEO of Noida International Airport since August 2020, will now join the airport’s Board of Directors as Executive Vice Chairman. His new role will allow him to continue contributing to the airport’s strategic development and expansion.

Important Facts for Exams

• Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) is responsible for aviation security regulation in India.
• Noida International Airport is located at Jewar in Uttar Pradesh.
• It is expected to become one of India’s largest international airports.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport in March 2026.

Strategic Importance of Jewar Airport

Noida International Airport is seen as a major infrastructure project for North India and is expected to reduce pressure on Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. It will strengthen connectivity, logistics and regional economic growth, especially in western Uttar Pradesh and the National Capital Region.