The Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad welcomed its first Air India Express flight. This event further expands air travel options for passengers in the National Capital Region (NCR), western Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand
The Kolkata-Hindon flight was operated by a Boeing 737-8 aircraft. It arrived in the morning. This arrival officially launched Air India Express’ operations from Hindon. The airline will now offer direct flights to Kolkata, Bengaluru, and Goa. It is the first airline to operate from two airports in NCR.
Hindon primarily serves as a military airbase. It has been gradually opening for civil aviation under the government’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS). Until now, the airport had limited commercial operations, with regional carrier Star Air flying to Kalaburagi and Hubli. With Air India Express’ entry, connectivity is expected to improve significantly. This introduction offers more flight options to passengers. They previously relied solely on the congested Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi.
The Hindon terminal is operated by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). It offers a convenient option for both scheduled and non-scheduled flights. It is especially beneficial for travelers from Ghaziabad, Noida, and nearby regions. These travelers face difficulties securing slots at Delhi airport. The terminal covers 22,050 square meters. It includes facilities like eight check-in counters and two conveyor belts. The terminal can handle a capacity of 300 passengers per hour.
Bookings for the new flights have seen strong demand, with more than 85% of seats on the inaugural flight sold. Airfares for the new routes have been introduced at competitive prices. One-way tickets start at ₹4,400 for Hindon–Kolkata. Prices begin at ₹4,900 for Hindon–Goa. They start at ₹6,200 for Hindon–Bengaluru.
With Hindon now operational for expanded airline services, NCR travellers are set to benefit from improved connectivity. Meanwhile, another alternative is on the horizon. The Noida International Airport in Jewar is expected to become operational by late April or early May. This will further reshape the air travel landscape in the region.
