Have you ever wondered about Delhi’s second airport? It’s right here, Hindon Airport. Often overshadowed by its bustling counterpart, Indira Gandhi International Airport, Hindon has a fascinating story to tell. Officially known as Hindon Airport, sometimes spelled Hindan, this isn’t just a commercial hub. It also serves as an Indian Air Force base. Hindon Airport is located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, and is operated by the Airports Authority of India. It plays a vital role in the government’s UDAN scheme. UDAN stands for “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik,” which translates to “Let the common man fly.” This scheme aims to make air travel more accessible and affordable for everyone in India. Hindon Airport primarily handles regional flights, easing congestion at Delhi’s main airport. Imagine this: a smaller, more manageable airport within the bustling Delhi NCR, connecting smaller cities and towns. This significantly reduces the burden on Indira Gandhi International Airport, allowing it to focus on larger, international flights. Hindon Airport was inaugurated in March 2019 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The passenger terminal itself was built for a cost of ₹40 crores. The terminal boasts eight check-in counters, can accommodate 300 passengers per hour, and has a parking lot with space for 90 cars. Did you know that initially, after a brief period of operation, commercial flights from Hindon were halted? In 2023, the airport saw a temporary closure when the airlines operating regional flights ceased their services. However, the story doesn’t end there. The low-cost carrier FlyBig breathed new life into Hindon Airport. In September 2023, FlyBig restarted commercial operations, offering flights to Dehradun and Ludhiana. This marked a new chapter for Hindon, reaffirming its crucial role in the UDAN scheme and regional connectivity. So, the next time you think of Delhi’s airports, remember Hindon Airport. It’s a testament to the vision of connecting India’s smaller cities to the skies, making air travel a reality for more people.
National Science Center
Did the world’s largest “Energy Ball”” exhibit catch your eye? Right here at the National Science Centre in Delhi, nylon