New Delhi: Noida International Airport (NIA) on Friday appointed an Indian as its chief executive to clear a regulatory hurdle that was delaying its launch. The airport elevated its chief financial officer, Nitu Samra, to the position previously held by Swiss national Christoph Schnellmann, who had been in charge since August 2020.
While Samra has been given interim charge, her appointment makes her the first woman to serve as CEO of an Indian airport. Schnellmann will transition to the airport's board of directors as executive vice-chairman.
Why the Change Was Necessary
The leadership reshuffle became essential because home ministry regulations prohibit expatriate CEOs for greenfield airports. Schnellmann, an executive of NIA's parent company Zurich AG, had led the airport since its inception and oversaw its development from the ground up. With considerable experience in India, including prior work at Bengaluru airport, he was considered ideal for the role.
However, the change at the eleventh hour was forced after it became clear that the government was not inclined to amend the expat rule. The airport was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 28 after receiving its aerodrome licence. But after the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security's (BCAS) proposal to modify the expat rule was rejected by the home ministry, NIA decided to change leadership to avoid further delays in launching commercial operations. NIA requires BCAS approval for its Aerodrome Security Programme (ASP) before it can become operational.
New Leadership and Timeline
"With immediate effect, Nitu Samra has been appointed as CEO on an interim basis, until the board of directors can conclude a formal selection process," NIA said in a statement. Samra has been the airport's CFO since October 2021 and was closely involved in its development. Schnellmann, NIA added, "will continue to support the project and its transition to operations."
Sources indicate that it typically takes 30 to 40 days for an airport to become operational after receiving ASP approval. Based on this timeline, NIA is unlikely to begin operations before June. For context, Goa's second airport at Mopa was inaugurated on December 11, 2022, and started operations within a month on January 5, 2023. Navi Mumbai airport became operational on December 25, 2025, just over two months after its inauguration on October 8.
Yamuna International Airport Pvt Ltd (YIAPL) chairman Daniel Bircher stated: "After the inauguration of NIA by the PM in March 2026, the goal was to enable the start of operations as early as possible. This management change brings the airport into compliance with BCAS requirements while maintaining continuity in the airport's leadership team. The newly structured team will support a smooth transition into operations, guided by clear and transparent governance and a strong corporate culture." YIAPL is the Zurich AG subsidiary responsible for building and operating the airport.
