Noida International Airport has announced a key leadership transition following regulatory directives from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which mandate that the Chief Executive Officer of an airport in India must be an Indian national.
In line with these requirements, Nitu Samra has been appointed as interim Chief Executive Officer with immediate effect, until the Board completes a formal selection process. Samra has been serving as Chief Financial Officer since October 2021 and has played a critical role in the airport’s development, overseeing financial stewardship, governance and strategic planning during a crucial phase of the project.
Christoph Schnellmann, who has led the airport as CEO since August 2020, will now move to the Board of Directors as Executive Vice Chairman. In this role, he will continue to support the project and guide its transition into operations, ensuring continuity in leadership.
Commenting on the development, Daniel Bircher, Chairman of Yamuna International Airport Private Limited, said the restructuring aligns the airport with BCAS requirements while maintaining stability within the leadership team. He added that the newly structured management will support a smooth transition into operations, backed by strong governance and a clear operational roadmap.
The transition comes at a crucial time as Noida International Airport moves closer to operational readiness following its inauguration earlier this year, with the focus now firmly on ensuring compliance, continuity and timely execution.
Nitu Samra brings over 20 years of experience in financial management and has been closely involved in shaping the airport’s development as Chief Financial Officer since 2021. Her previous roles include Finance Director at LeasePlan India and senior positions at Fidelity International and India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation, reflecting a strong background in corporate finance and large-scale project execution.
