How a military airbase became a vital relief valve for India's busiest airport
In short: Hindon Airport serves as a strategic civil enclave, designed to alleviate congestion at Delhi's primary international hub. By hosting regional flights that would otherwise struggle to secure landing slots in the capital, this unique facility demonstrates how military infrastructure can be repurposed to support growing domestic air travel demand.
Located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Hindon Airport functions as a civil enclave situated within the existing Hindan Air Force Station. The facility was established to support the government's regional connectivity program, known as UDAN, which aims to improve accessibility across India. Because the primary airport in the National Capital Region faced severe slot constraints, the Ministry of Civil Aviation sought permission from the Indian Air Force in 2017 to utilize the military base for commercial traffic. This arrangement required formal clearance from Delhi International Airport Limited, which held an agreement restricting commercial operations within 150 kilometers of the capital's main airport.
The infrastructure at Hindon was developed by the Airports Authority of India, with the Uttar Pradesh state government providing essential support like road connectivity and electricity. The terminal, which features a pre-engineered design, can accommodate 300 passengers per hour. Following its inauguration in March 2019, the airport officially commenced commercial operations in October 2019, with an initial flight to Pithoragarh. While the facility was originally intended to be a temporary measure until the expansion of the primary Delhi airport was complete, authorities have since explored making the site a permanent fixture in the region's aviation network.
Looking toward the future, the government has initiated plans to expand the civilian terminal, including the acquisition of additional land in the nearby village of Sikandarpur. These efforts aim to increase operational capacity through new parking bays and improved passenger amenities. Furthermore, discussions are currently underway to introduce night landing capabilities, which would significantly enhance the airport's utility. As the facility integrates more deeply with local transport networks, such as the proposed extension of the Delhi Metro's Pink Line, it continues to evolve from a temporary relief measure into a critical component of the wider regional infrastructure.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Hindon Airport
- Also: Wikidata — Hindon Airport · CC0
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