Air India Express has commenced direct flight operations from Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad, connecting five major cities—Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Jammu, and Kolkata. With 40 weekly flights scheduled, this expansion is expected to strengthen regional connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR) and provide an alternative for passengers seeking to avoid the congestion of Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The new services were officially inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Rammohan Naidu. The maiden flight on the Kolkata-Hindon route landed at 09:30 hrs, marking a significant milestone for the airport and Air India Express’s domestic network. Soon after, the first departure from Hindon to Goa took off at 10:40 hrs, symbolizing the beginning of regular commercial operations from the Ghaziabad-based airport.
During the inaugural ceremony, the Union Minister presented the first passenger on the newly launched service with a commemorative boarding pass. In his address, he highlighted the government’s commitment to improving air connectivity across India, particularly in rapidly growing urban areas like the NCR. Naidu emphasized that these new routes will not only make air travel more accessible for residents of Ghaziabad and surrounding areas but also play a vital role in easing traffic pressure at Delhi’s main airport.
Hindon Airport, which primarily functions as a civil enclave on an Indian Air Force base, is emerging as a key hub for domestic air travel. Its strategic location near Delhi makes it an ideal choice for airlines seeking to expand operations while offering passengers a more convenient departure point. With Air India Express’s new services, travelers now have direct access to major metropolitan and tourist destinations across India.
The decision to launch these routes aligns with the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel affordable and accessible to smaller cities and underserved regions. Air India Express’s move to operate from Hindon Airport reflects a broader effort to enhance air connectivity while fostering economic growth and tourism.
The five destinations—Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Jammu, and Kolkata—represent a diverse mix of business, leisure, and cultural hubs. Bengaluru and Chennai are major centers for technology and industry, while Goa remains a popular tourist destination. Jammu provides vital access to the northern region, and Kolkata serves as a crucial gateway to eastern India. By connecting these cities directly to Hindon, Air India Express is catering to both business and leisure travelers while addressing the growing demand for intra-national air routes.
The introduction of these new services also represents a significant step in Air India Express’s expansion strategy. As part of the Tata Group, the airline is focusing on improving its domestic network, offering affordable fares, and providing better connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The increased frequency of flights from Hindon Airport aligns with the broader vision of creating a more interconnected and accessible aviation network across India.
With 40 weekly flights, passengers now have more options and flexibility in planning their travel. This enhanced connectivity is expected to benefit local businesses, boost tourism, and provide greater convenience for residents in the NCR region. Air India Express’s operations from Hindon Airport signify a new chapter in the evolution of domestic air travel in India, providing an important alternative gateway to one of the country’s busiest metropolitan areas.
As Air India Express continues to expand its services, the launch from Hindon Airport represents a commitment to improving passenger convenience and promoting regional development. The airline’s focus on affordability and connectivity aligns with the government’s broader vision of making air travel accessible to a larger segment of the population while enhancing the overall aviation infrastructure in the country.
