On Monday (June 15), the first flight from Noida International Airport to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow took off successfully under the leadership of UP CM Yogi Adityanath. The special flight carried local farmers from Jewar who had willingly given their land for the airport project.
The government organised a unique journey to honour these landowners and make them a part of the state’s development story. As the farmers landed in Lucknow after flying from the land that once belonged to them, many looked emotional and proud of the moment.
‘People Wearing Slippers Now Travel by Air’
After arriving in Lucknow, farmers Dharmveer Sharma and Haji Zafar thanked CM Yogi and Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh. They said the government had fulfilled every promise it made to the farmers.
The farmers said the Yogi government had shown that development should reach the poorest sections of society. They added that people who once wore simple slippers now had the opportunity to travel with dignity on an airplane.
Women Farmers Fulfil a Long-Held Dream
Several women farmers, including Poonam, Suman, Meenu and Hira Rashid, joined the historic flight. Poonam said the government had acquired her land for the airport project and that she had come to Lucknow to meet the CM.
Suman described the flight as the fulfilment of a dream she had carried for years. Meenu said she felt emotional after seeing her land from the sky for the first time. She called it an unforgettable experience.
Haji Zafar said Yogi Adityanath remained popular among many people in the Muslim community because the government had provided welfare benefits and security without discrimination.
Farmers Say They Received Respect Along with Compensation
Farmer Iqbal Kallu said the government did more than provide compensation. It also made farmers partners in the development process.
Elderly farmers Jaiveer and Jaikaran Singh said they had seen many governments during their lives but had never witnessed such recognition for farmers. They recalled that officials had visited homes and sought consent during the land acquisition process.
The farmers said they now feel satisfied with the project and believe the world-class airport will create new opportunities for future generations in the region.
