India opens 2nd international airport in capital

NEW DELHI, Mar 28: India opened a second international airport in the capital New Delhi on Saturday, as part of the country's rapid push to expand its air industry.

The Noida International Airport is 75 kilometres (45 miles) from the city, and will serve 12 million passengers a year in its initial phase, with the potential to grow to as many as 70 million. It will also handle cargo, with the capacity to increase operations over time.

India's rapidly growing economy, and its 1.4 billion people, has opened the door for the country to become the world's fourth-largest air market, including domestic and international travel.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the airport, a greenfield project in Jewar in Uttar Pradesh, the country's most populous state with estimated 243 million people.    �"AFP