Nitu Samra Appointed Interim CEO Of Noida International Airport

27 Apr 2026 CW Team

Noida International Airport (NIA) has appointed its Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Nitu Samra, as interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) with immediate effect. The change follows directions from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) that require the chief executive of an airport in India to be an Indian national. The appointment will remain in place until the Board of Directors can complete a formal selection process. The appointment aims to support ongoing operations at the new airport and maintain investor and stakeholder confidence.

Christoph Schnellmann, a Swiss national who led the airport as its CEO since August 2020, will join the NIA Board as Executive Vice Chairman. The board statement noted the measure was taken to comply with regulatory requirements and to ensure continuity of leadership during the selection exercise. Operational teams at the airport are expected to continue normal functions while the board finalises its process.

Samra has served as the airport's CFO since October 2021 and brings financial oversight experience to the interim role. The board indicated that the appointment is interim and that Samra will manage executive responsibilities until a permanent chief executive is selected. The move follows the inauguration of the airport by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, underlining a focus on regulatory compliance.

The board will conduct a formal search and selection process for a permanent CEO, adhering to applicable norms and timelines, while maintaining governance oversight. Schnellmann will take on strategic and advisory duties as Executive Vice Chairman of the NIA Board to support transition planning. Stakeholders were assured that airport operations, safety oversight and commercial activities will continue under existing management structures.

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