Remember Willingdon Airfield? It is now known as Safdarjung Airport. This airport stands as a testament to Delhi’s aviation history. Today we will explore its transformation through time.
Safdarjung Airport began as Willingdon Airfield in 1929. It was named after Lord Willingdon. He was the Viceroy and Governor-General of India. Gurcharan Singh, Ram Singh Kabli and Sir Sobha Singh contracted it. Back then it was just India’s second airport. Mumbai’s Juhu Aerodrome was the first.
Initially Safdarjung Airport featured grass runways and tents. The first airmail flight landed here in 1918. That same year the first London-Cairo-Delhi flight touched down. By 1927 the first commercial flight had arrived. In 1928 Willingdon Airfield became Willingdon Airport. The Delhi Flying Club was established too.
During World War II Safdarjung Airport played a vital role. It was part of the South Atlantic air ferry route. It also served during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947. In 1941 the southwest corner became the site for the Air Landing School. Here the first paratroopers in India trained.
After India gained independence in 1947, Willingdon was renamed Safdarjung Airport. This name came from the nearby Safdarjung’s Tomb. For over two decades it was Delhi’s main airport. But larger jet aircraft demanded a new site. Palam Airport, now Indira Gandhi International Airport, took over in 1962.
The Delhi Flying Club was very active here. It had two de Havilland Moth aircraft named ‘Delhi’ and ‘Roshanara’. However, after the 9/11 attacks, security concerns grew. In 2002 the government closed Safdarjung Airport for public flying. The Delhi Flying Club moved its flights to Hisar Airport.
Today Safdarjung Airport mainly handles VVIP helicopter flights. These flights transport the President and Prime Minister. They are en route to Indira Gandhi International Airport. The airport complex spans 190 acres. Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan is located here. It houses the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India.
A tragic accident occurred in 1980. Sanjay Gandhi died in an air crash near Safdarjung Airport. He was flying a new aircraft and lost control while performing a loop.
In 2010 during the Commonwealth Games, Safdarjung Airport served as a park-and-ride facility. It accommodated thousands of vehicles. A 1.5-kilometer tunnel connects the Prime Minister’s residence to Safdarjung Airport. This allows for secure and discreet travel.
The Airports Authority of India headquarters is on the airport grounds. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation also has its headquarters nearby. Udaan Bhawan opened on the property in 2023. The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau has its head office here.
Safdarjung Airport also appeared in popular culture. It features in Hergé’s Tintin in Tibet comic. Tintin, Snowy, and Captain Haddock depart from Willingdon Airfield.
Though no longer Delhi’s main airport, Safdarjung Airport remains significant. It is a reminder of India’s aviation history and its ongoing importance in VVIP transport. Safdarjung Airport continues to serve India.