The Bureau of Aviation Security (BCAS) has rejected the security approval for Christoph Schenellmann, the CEO of Noida International Airport, due to his status as a foreign national, which contravenes Indian aviation security regulations for greenfield airports. According to a 2011 directive, the CEO of any greenfield airport in India must be an Indian citizen responsible for coordinating security measures. As a result, the airport, owned by the Zurich Airport Group, must appoint an Indian CEO before it can begin commercial operations. Christoph Schenellmann, a Swiss citizen, has been managing the airport project since 2020. The Zurich Airport Group won the bid to develop and operate the airport for 40 years in 2019, investing around ₹7,200 crore (approximately $870 million USD) in its first phase. The airport received its aerodrome license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in March, but its Aerodrome Security Programme (ASP) is still under review by BCAS. The airport is expected to serve a significant area in western Uttar Pradesh, providing new opportunities for local farmers, small businesses, and youth, as highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during its inauguration.