Key Highlights
Thinking about your next trip from the Delhi NCR region? Here’s a quick look at what Ghaziabad’s Hindon Airport offers for your air travel needs:
- It serves as the second commercial airport for the Delhi NCR, reducing the load on IGI Airport.
- The airport primarily supports the government’s UDAN scheme, enhancing regional connectivity.
- Key airlines like Air India Express, Star Air, and FlyBig operate commercial flights from here.
- It provides a convenient travel option for residents of Ghaziabad, Noida, and East Delhi.
- You can expect a smoother and faster airport experience due to smaller crowds.
- The airport is a civil enclave operating from the Hindan Air Force Station.
Ghaziabad Hindon Airport Overview
Hindon Airport (IATA: HDO), located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is a key domestic airport serving the National Capital Region. Situated within the Hindan Air Force Station, it functions as a civil enclave managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Are you wondering where exactly it is? The terminal is located in Sikandarpur village, making it a strategic hub for travelers in the eastern part of the NCR.
This airport was developed to support the UDAN scheme and ease the pressure of regional flights from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The terminal building is equipped with eight check-in counters, seating areas, and a car park for 90 vehicles, ensuring a comfortable start to your air travel journey. Its main goal is to provide efficient connectivity to smaller cities across India.
Location and Accessibility Within Delhi NCR
Wondering how convenient Hindon Airport is? It’s strategically located in Ghaziabad, approximately 30 km from Delhi’s Connaught Place, making it an excellent alternative for people living in East Delhi, Noida, and the surrounding NCR region. This proximity helps you avoid the long commutes and heavy traffic often associated with traveling to Delhi’s main airport. As a civil enclave at an Indian Air Force base, it offers both security and accessibility.
Reaching the airport is straightforward. It is situated just off National Highway 9 (NH-9), allowing for easy access by car or taxi. For those relying on public transport, reaching the airport is also quite manageable. The journey is often quicker and more affordable compared to reaching IGI Airport from this part of the NCR.
How do you get there by metro? The closest metro stations are Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar and Dilshad Garden, both on the Delhi Metro’s Red Line and located about 5-6 km away. From these stations, you can easily hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw for the final leg of your journey. Furthermore, a proposed extension of the Pink Line will directly connect to the airport, promising even better connectivity in the future.
Is Hindon Airport Open for Commercial Flights?
Yes, Hindon Airport is fully operational for commercial flights. The airport’s civil enclave was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2019, with the first flight taking off in October 2019. Its primary purpose is to operate flights under the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel more affordable and accessible by connecting smaller, regional towns.
After a brief pause in services, commercial flight operations successfully resumed in September 2023. Airlines saw the potential in this emerging airport, and it is once again serving as a vital link for regional travel. It operates from a terminal built and managed by the Airports Authority of India within the Hindan Air Force Station.
Looking ahead, there are considerations for expansion. The terminal, originally built to handle 300 passengers per hour, is already seeing higher traffic. According to a report in The Times of India, discussions are underway to acquire additional land to expand the terminal, add more aircraft parking bays, and potentially allow for night landing operations, which would significantly increase the airport’s capacity. [1]
Airlines and Flight Destinations
Hindon Airport connects you to several key destinations across India, primarily through regional and low-cost airlines. If you’re looking for flights to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, this airport is an excellent choice. Airlines like Air India Express, FlyBig, and Star Air currently operate from here, with major players like IndiGo also planning to start services. This focus on regional carriers helps fulfill the goals of the UDAN scheme.
From Ghaziabad, you can fly to major cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, as well as smaller but important destinations such as Ludhiana, Bathinda, Kishangarh, and Nanded. The growing network of flight routes makes Hindon a convenient gateway for both business and leisure travelers in the Delhi NCR, especially those looking to bypass the congestion of a larger international airport.
Current Airlines Operating From Ghaziabad Airport
Several airlines have recognized the strategic importance of Hindon Airport, offering flights that enhance regional connectivity. The airport is primarily served by regional carriers focused on the UDAN scheme, but major airlines are also part of its operations. Currently, Air India Express, FlyBig, and Star Air run regular services. Adding to the competition, IndiGo has announced plans to launch operations from Hindon in July 2025, which will further expand the flight options available to you.
Here is a quick look at the airlines and the destinations they serve from Hindon Airport:
| Airline | Destinations |
|---|---|
| Air India Express | Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa–Dabolim, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, Varanasi |
| FlyBig | Bathinda, Ludhiana |
| Star Air | Bengaluru, Jalandhar, Kishangarh, Nanded |
It’s important to remember that flight schedules can change. Since the airport operates from an Air Force station, commercial flights are generally restricted to daytime hours. For the most current daily flight schedule for arrivals and departures, you should always check the official airline websites before planning your travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the parking options and charges at Hindon Airport Ghaziabad?
Hindon Airport provides a dedicated car park with space for up to 90 cars, managed by the Airports Authority of India. While this offers convenient parking for travelers, the specific parking charges are subject to change. It is best to confirm the current rates upon arrival or check the official AAI website for the latest information.
How do I reach Hindon Airport in Ghaziabad by public transport or metro?
You can easily reach Hindon Airport using public transport. The nearest metro stations are Dilshad Garden and Major Mohit Sharma Rajendra Nagar on the Delhi Metro’s Red Line, both roughly 5 km away. From there, you can hire a cab or an auto-rickshaw. The airport is also accessible from nearby ISBTs like Anand Vihar.
Can I book direct, non-stop flights from Ghaziabad Hindon Airport?
Yes, you can absolutely book direct, non-stop commercial flights from Hindon Airport. The airport was developed under the UDAN scheme to promote regional connectivity, so airlines like Air India Express and other regional carriers offer direct flights to various destinations, allowing you to reach your destination faster without any layovers.