If IRCTC is dedicated towards its cause of making traveling via trains an easy affair in India, then AAI (Airport Authority of India) is also sworn to make flying a convenient experience. So in its latest step towards realizing that goal, AAI inaugurated the new Hindon Airport (at Indian Air Force’s airbase) located in Loni Ghaziabad to reduce the traffic on the IGI airport and convert flying into a peaceful experience for travelers.
What’s the buzz?
The much-awaited inauguration of the Hindon Airport situated within 150 km of Delhi IGI Airport took place on last Friday. PM Modi was invited to do the honors while the Chief Minister and the Governor of Uttar Pradesh were also present for the occasion. This airbase for the civilian flights got a green signal back in the year 2017 after IGI failed to provide slots for flights under the government’s Regional Development Scheme.

Pic Credit- Urbanupdate.in
What should you know?
The Hindon Airport which is developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme- UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) is built on an area of 5,425 square km, at a cost of 40 crores. This civilian enclave (an area of a defense airbase used for civilian flights) will have flight service to eight locations namely Jamnagar, Shimla, Kalaburgi, Nashik, Hubli, Faizabad, and Pithoragarh. The services at this airport will be operated by Ghodawat, Heritage Aviation, IndiGo, and TurboJet Airlines and the flying will commence from next month. Moreover, this airport has a capacity to handle 300 passengers at the peak hours and is designed with eight check-in counters, two arrival carousels, four frisking booths and a parking area spacious enough to accommodate 90 cars.
What we think?
We think that this new initiative will reduce pressure at the IGI airport significantly as the passengers will now find Hindson Airport as a feasible option. This latest move by the Airport Authority of India is bound to make flying a convenient and easier trade in our country.