Nitu Samra joins Noida International Airport as CEO

Christoph Schnellmann, former CEO of NIA, will join the airport’s Board of Directors as Executive Vice Chairman. In this role, he will continue to support the project and its transition to operations.

Noida International Airport (NIA) announced changes to its leadership structure. With immediate effect, Nitu Samra has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer on an interim basis, until the Board of Directors can conclude a formal selection process.

This change follows directions issued by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) that the Chief Executive Officer of an airport in India is required to be an Indian national.

Samra has been serving as Chief Financial Officer of Noida International Airport since October 2021 and has been closely involved in the airport’s development journey, overseeing financial stewardship, governance, and strategic planning during a key phase of the project.

Christoph Schnellmann, who has led Noida International Airport as Chief Executive Officer since August 2020, will join the airport’s Board of Directors as Executive Vice Chairman. In this role, he will continue to support the project and its transition to operations.

Daniel Bircher, Chairman, Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, said: “Afer the inauguration of Noida International Airport by the Prime Minister 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 Bureau of Civil Aviation Security 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.”