For residents of Ghaziabad, Noida, and parts of Western Uttar Pradesh, the journey to Delhi's bustling Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport has often been a significant hurdle. However, a new era of convenience has dawned with IndiGo, India's largest airline, commencing daily direct flight operations from Hindon Airport (Ghaziabad) to Kolkata. This move marks a crucial step in enhancing regional air connectivity and offering a more accessible travel option for millions.
Hindon Airport, located in Ghaziabad, was redeveloped under the government's ambitious UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, aimed at making air travel affordable and accessible to the common person by connecting smaller cities and regional hubs. While Air India Express had already begun operations from Hindon earlier this year, IndiGo's entry signifies a major boost to the airport's profile and its connectivity.
The new daily direct flights between Hindon and Kolkata are a game-changer for several reasons:
- Enhanced Convenience for NCR Residents: For those living in Ghaziabad, Noida, East, and Central Delhi, Hindon offers a significantly closer and less congested alternative to IGI Airport. This translates to reduced travel time to the airport, less traffic hassle, and a more relaxed start to their journeys.
- Boost to West Bengal Connectivity: Kolkata, a major metropolitan and economic hub in Eastern India, now enjoys direct daily connectivity with a key airport serving the Delhi-NCR region. This will benefit both business travelers and tourists, fostering economic and cultural exchange.
- Strategic Expansion by IndiGo: By adding Hindon as its second operational base in the National Capital Region, IndiGo is strategically strengthening its network and catering to the growing demand for regional air travel. The airline has also launched direct flights from Hindon to eight other major Indian cities, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Goa, Indore, Patna, and Varanasi, further cementing Hindon's role as a vital regional aviation hub.
- Success of UDAN Scheme: The increasing passenger traffic at Hindon Airport – which has surged from approximately 8,000 annually in 2019 to over 80,000 recently – is a testament to the success of the UDAN scheme. It underscores the government's commitment to developing aviation infrastructure in tier II and III cities, unlocking their potential for growth.
The inaugural flights have been met with enthusiasm, highlighting the pent-up demand for such direct regional connections. With nearly 70 weekly departures planned by IndiGo from Hindon across its new routes, the airline is focused on facilitating seamless point-to-point travel for customers.
This development is not just about new flight routes; it's about making air travel more democratic and efficient. As India continues its journey towards becoming a global aviation hub, the expansion of operations from airports like Hindon plays a critical role. For the people of Kolkata and the wider Delhi-NCR region, the daily IndiGo flights from Hindon promise a new level of ease and connectivity, bringing destinations closer and fostering greater economic and social interaction.
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