New Delhi, April 24 -- Noida International Airport Ltd has appointed an Indian interim chief executive after its Swiss CEO was denied security clearance, a move that could expedite approvals to start commercial flights.

Nitu Samra, the airport's chief financial officer since October 2021, has been appointed interim CEO with immediate effect, according to a company statement on Friday, replacing Christoph Schnellmann, who had led the project since August 2020 and oversaw its development through multiple delays.

"With immediate effect, Nitu Samra has been appointed as CEO on an interim basis, until the board of directors can conclude a formal selection process," the statement said.

The change follows the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security...