Hindon Airport

Hindon Airport is a sort of "hidden gateway" for the National Capital Region, designed to decongest the main aviation hub and offer passengers an alternative route to the skies. Located in the city of Ghaziabad, this civil enclave is situated within the grounds of a legendary military airbase, giving it a unique character and the status of a strategic facility. The airport operates regional flights under the government's UDAN affordable flight scheme, connecting Delhi with smaller yet significant cities in India. For travellers, this means avoiding the massive queues typical of international hubs and the ability to complete all formalities in a matter of minutes.

Despite its compact size, Hindon Airport offers undeniable advantages for specific categories of tourists:

• Speed of Service: Thanks to the low passenger volume and compact terminal, the journey from the entrance to boarding the aircraft takes minimal time. There are almost never crowds at security checks here.
• Strategic Location: For residents and guests of East Delhi, Noida, and Ghaziabad, this airport is located much more conveniently than the main international hub, allowing you to save time and money on taxis.
• Cost-effectiveness: Flights operating from here are often government-subsidised, making ticket prices very attractive for budget travellers.
• Unique Atmosphere: Take-off and landing take place on the runway of an active Indian Air Force base, adding a touch of exclusivity to the flight, although photography of military infrastructure is strictly prohibited.

For your convenience, we have compiled the essential contact information for the Hindon Airport (QAH) civil terminal. Please note that the airport is a civil enclave within a military airbase.

• Official Website: Information about the airport can be found on the official portal of the Airports Authority of India (AAI) at www.aai.aero. The civil terminal does not have a direct standalone page.
• Helpline Phone: For general questions related to terminal operations, you may contact the number listed by AAI. However, for information regarding flight status, check-in, and baggage allowances, it is strongly recommended to contact your airline directly.
• Airport Address: Hindon Airport, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201006, India. It is important to note that the airport is in Ghaziabad, which is part of the National Capital Region of Delhi.
• Email: For official enquiries, you can use the terminal manager's email listed on the AAI website: apdhindon@aai.aero.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own specific social media pages. News and updates are published on the general accounts of the Airports Authority of India.
• Lost & Found: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you must first contact the representative of the airline you flew with. If your belongings were lost within the terminal building, please contact the airport administration.
• Passenger Support Contacts: The primary contact for passenger support regarding airport infrastructure is the terminal administration. For flight-related queries, please contact your airline.

Hindon Airport (QAH), located in Ghaziabad on the outskirts of Delhi, is an important transport hub for domestic flights. You can reach it from the city centre in several ways, each with its own advantages depending on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

Public Transport

The most economical way to reach the airport is by using the Delhi Metro. The nearest station to the airport is "Shaheed Sthal (New Bus Adda)" on the Red Line. The distance from the metro station to the airport terminal is about 10-12 km. This leg of the journey can be covered by a local taxi or auto-rickshaw, which will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Although this option requires a transfer, it allows you to avoid city traffic jams. There are practically no direct bus routes from central Delhi to Hindon Airport, making this option less convenient for tourists.

Taxi and Transfer

The most convenient and fastest method is travelling by taxi. You can use mobile apps popular in India, such as Uber or Ola, to book a car. The journey from central Delhi to Hindon Airport usually takes from 1 to 1.5 hours, but the time can vary significantly depending on traffic. The cost will be significantly higher than public transport, but this is compensated by comfort and speed. You can also book a private transfer in advance, which is particularly convenient for families with children or travellers with heavy luggage.

Car Rental and Parking

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car. However, it is worth considering the heavy traffic and driving conditions in Delhi. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, parking is available at Hindon Airport. This is a convenient option if you are seeing someone off or leaving your car for a short trip.

Important Note: When planning your route, ensure you are heading specifically to Hindon Airport (QAH), and not the main capital hub — Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), which is located in a different part of the city and handles the majority of international and domestic flights.

Hindon Airport (QAH) is a civil enclave within an airbase, and its passenger infrastructure is as compact and straightforward as possible. The airport operates one passenger terminal, which handles all domestic flights. This makes navigation extremely simple and eliminates the need to move between different buildings.

The terminal is a modern single-storey building where everything is within walking distance. The layout is intuitive: upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the check-in area where airline counters are located. Immediately behind it is the security check zone, after passing which, passengers find themselves in the departure lounge. The waiting area is equipped with sufficient seating but does not feature a wide selection of shops or restaurants, which is typical for small airports.

Departure and arrival zones are clearly separated but are located within the same building. Upon arrival, passengers proceed to the baggage claim hall, and from there to the exit, where taxis and parking are available. Since there is only one terminal, moving between zones takes minimal time.

The main advantage of Hindon Airport is the speed of completing all procedures. Due to the low passenger flow, flight check-in and security screening usually take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 1.5 hours before departure to avoid unforeseen delays.

To navigate the terminal, simply follow the signs, which are clearly visible and easy to understand. It is practically impossible to get lost here. Hindon Airport is an excellent choice for those who value time and prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of major aviation hubs.

The history of Hindon Airport (QAH) is unique because it was not created from scratch as a civilian hub. Originally, it is one of the largest and oldest Indian Air Force bases, known as Hindon Air Force Station. For decades, it has played a key role in the country's defence system and remains a vital strategic facility to this day. It is at this base that the parade in honour of Air Force Day in India is traditionally held.

A new phase in the airport's history began in the 21st century when the Government of India, under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), decided to utilise military airfield infrastructure for civil purposes. The goal was to decongest the capital's main airport — Indira Gandhi International Airport — and improve transport accessibility for nearby regions. To achieve this, a separate civil terminal was built on the grounds of the airbase.

The official opening of the new passenger terminal took place in March 2019, and the first commercial flight was operated in October of the same year. This modernisation was a significant event, transforming a strictly military facility into a dual-use airport. Today, passengers flying from Hindon enjoy a modern and compact terminal, whilst the runways and main infrastructure continue to serve the Air Force.

Hindon Airport (QAH), being a relatively small regional airport, provides passengers with all the basic services necessary for a comfortable wait before departure. Although the selection here is not as extensive as in major international hubs, travellers will find all the essentials.

The terminal houses several small cafés and snack bars where you can have a coffee, grab a sandwich, or buy snacks for the journey. There are also small shops offering daily necessities, newspapers, and souvenirs. For passengers preferring more comfortable conditions, a premium lounge is available at the airport.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected or work while waiting for your flight. For passenger convenience, numerous power outlets and USB ports for charging electronic devices are provided in the waiting halls. ATMs are installed at the airport; however, currency exchange services may be limited as the airport primarily serves domestic flights.

Hindon Airport is well-equipped for passengers with special needs. Mobility assistance and wheelchairs are available upon request. For families with small children, there are baby care rooms with changing tables. In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the medical room for first aid.

There are no hotels directly within the airport grounds, but many accommodation options can be found in the nearby areas of Ghaziabad city. Specialised business centres and conference rooms are absent in the terminal building, so for business meetings, it is better to utilise the services of hotels in the city.

Hindon Airport (QAH), being a compact civil enclave, offers basic yet convenient dining options, primarily oriented towards passengers waiting for their flights. You will not find a wide variety of restaurants here as you would in major international hubs; however, grabbing a bite before departure is certainly possible.

The main food outlets are located in the main passenger terminal, predominantly in the departure area after passing security control (airside). These are usually a few small cafeterias and kiosks rather than full-service restaurants. Options for passengers in the arrival zone or before check-in (landside) may be extremely limited or non-existent.

What you can try:

• Quick Snacks: The assortment mainly consists of ready-to-eat meals and snacks. You will easily find sandwiches, wraps, samosas, pastries, and packaged snacks (crisps, biscuits). This is an ideal option for those short on time.
• Beverages: Passengers have access to hot tea (including traditional Masala Chai), coffee, bottled water, and soft drinks.
• Local Cuisine: Although there are no specialised restaurants serving local cuisine, cafeteria menus often feature popular Indian snacks, giving you a general idea of local flavours.

Regarding special dietary needs, the choice here is limited. Vegetarian options are generally available (e.g., vegetable sandwiches or samosas), which is typical for India. However, finding certified Halal, vegan, or gluten-free meals might be difficult. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are advised to bring food with them.

The price range at Hindon Airport corresponds to standard airport tariffs — slightly higher than in the city, but generally moderate. The opening hours of catering establishments are directly linked to the flight schedule: they are open to serve departing and arriving passengers and may be closed during periods when there are no flights.

When planning a trip via Hindon Airport in Delhi, it is worth considering a few tips to make your journey as comfortable as possible. This airport mainly serves domestic flights, making it less busy compared to the main international airport, but preparation is still important.

Arrival Time and Check-in: It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This will give you enough time to complete all formalities without rushing. To save time, use online check-in, which is offered by most airlines. This will allow you to proceed immediately to the baggage drop counter (if you have luggage) or to security control.

Security Checks: Be prepared to place all electronic devices (laptops, tablets, power banks) from your hand luggage into a separate tray. Liquids are allowed in containers up to 100 ml, packed in a transparent bag. Security screening procedures at airports in India can be quite thorough, so please follow the staff's instructions to speed up the process.

Seat Selection: If the airline allows you to select a seat in advance, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer beautiful views during take-off and landing, an aisle seat provides more legroom and quick access to the exit, and seats in the front of the cabin will allow you to disembark faster upon arrival.

Hand Luggage: It is strictly prohibited to carry sharp objects, flammable liquids, and pressurised aerosols in your hand luggage. Conversely, power banks and other lithium batteries must be carried only in hand luggage and not in checked baggage. Always check the current baggage allowance on your airline's website.

Transfer Passengers and Customs: Since Hindon is primarily a domestic airport, international transfers are rare here. If you have a transfer to another domestic flight, clarify at check-in whether your luggage will be transferred automatically. Customs control is only for international passengers, who are practically non-existent here. For domestic flights, you will only need to pass security screening again.

Saving Time and Money: Book a taxi in advance or use public transport to get to the airport. Prices for food and drinks at airports are traditionally higher, so you can bring an empty water bottle (to fill it after security) and light snacks.

In Case of Flight Delay: If your flight is delayed, first contact your airline representative for information on the new departure time and possible compensation (meals, accommodation). Stay calm and keep important documents and a phone charger handy.