Noida International Airport is undergoing a key leadership change, with Nitu Samra stepping in as interim Chief Executive Officer. With the airport nearing its opening, Samra takes over from Christoph Schnellmann, who left the role after failing to obtain the required clearance.
This change happened because the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security requires security approval for top leaders at international airports in India. Without this clearance, the airport’s board had to act quickly. Schnellmann now holds a board-level role, helping maintain continuity while stepping back from his executive duties.
Samra’s appointment is an internal decision. She has been Chief Financial Officer at Noida International Airport Limited since 2021 and has played a key role in the project’s planning. With over 20 years of experience in finance, infrastructure, and management, she has worked at Fidelity International, LeasePlan India, and India Mortgage Guarantee Corporation. She graduated from Delhi University and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, giving her strong technical skills and knowledge of the organization.
Samra’s main task now is to secure all required regulatory approvals as the airport prepares to open. She will work closely with aviation authorities, coordinate with various groups, and ensure safety and compliance rules are followed. She also needs to meet the expectations of important partners, such as the Uttar Pradesh Government and Zurich Airport International AG, both of which have major interests in the project.
This phase is particularly sensitive. Any delay in clearances or operational readiness could impact not just the airport’s timeline but also broader regional connectivity and investment plans. Once functional, Noida International Airport is expected to ease pressure on Delhi’s existing aviation infrastructure and serve as a major gateway for northern India.
Although Samra is serving as interim CEO, how she leads now could influence the airport’s future leadership. For the moment, her appointment brings stability and keeps someone with strong project knowledge in charge during this critical time.
