Hindon Airport / Hindon Air Force Station (HDO)

Hindon Airport (IATA: HDO, ICAO: VIDX), located in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, is a civil enclave operating from the Hindon Air Force Station, one of the largest and most strategic airbases in Asia. Its primary role for civilian travel is to enhance regional connectivity for the National Capital Region (NCR) under the Indian government's UDAN scheme, serving as a secondary airport to Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and reducing congestion. The airport primarily caters to passengers from Western Uttar Pradesh and eastern parts of Delhi.

Established in 1963, Hindon Air Force Station has a long and significant military history. The decision to develop a civil terminal was made to leverage the existing infrastructure for regional commercial flights. The new civil enclave was inaugurated in March 2019, with the first commercial flight taking off in October 2019. This development marked a key milestone in making air travel more accessible to smaller cities from the NCR.

The airport is situated in Ghaziabad, approximately 35 kilometers from Connaught Place in central Delhi. Access is primarily by road via private cars, taxis, or app-based ride-hailing services. The nearest Delhi Metro stations are Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda) and Mohan Nagar on the Red Line, from which travelers need to take an auto-rickshaw or taxi for the final leg of the journey, which is about 10-12 kilometers.

Operations at Hindon are exclusively for domestic, regional flights. It does not handle international services. Airlines operating from here connect Ghaziabad to smaller Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Flight schedules are limited compared to major airports, with only a few departures and arrivals each day. As a small-scale operation, passenger volume is modest, and the airport provides a quiet and swift travel experience.

The facilities are functional and tailored to the small number of flights. The civil enclave consists of a single, compact terminal building with a straightforward layout. Inside, travelers will find a few check-in counters, a security screening area, and a clean departure lounge with seating. Amenities are basic, typically including a small snack and beverage counter rather than elaborate restaurants or retail stores. The focus is on efficient processing rather than extensive passenger services.

For travelers using Hindon Airport, it is advisable to arrive approximately 90 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Due to its location within an active military base, security is stringent, and all passengers should be prepared to follow security protocols closely. Pre-booking a taxi or cab for arrival and departure is highly recommended, as on-demand availability can be limited. Passengers should also double-check their tickets to ensure their flight departs from Hindon (HDO) and not Delhi's IGI Airport (DEL) to avoid confusion.