Hindan Airport in Ghaziabad is witnessing a sharp decline in its flight operations just within a year of its expanded services. The daily flight count has dropped significantly from 25 to only 12. Airport officials and the Airports Authority of India are concerned as several airlines have decided to permanently shut down routes that were initially only suspended for the winter season.
Which Airlines and Routes are Permanently Closed?
The reduction in services has affected connectivity to several major Indian cities. While passenger occupancy remained high at nearly 90 percent, airlines like FlyBig have completely stopped operations from Hindan. Other major players including IndiGo and Air India Express have also trimmed their schedules. The following table shows the current status of flights at the terminal.
| Category | Details of Routes and Airlines |
|---|---|
| Permanently Closed Routes | Goa, Kolkata, Varanasi, Patna, Jammu, Chennai, Bhubaneswar, Bathinda, Kishangarh, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Dehradun |
| Currently Active Airlines | IndiGo (6 cities), Air India Express (Bengaluru, Mumbai), Star Air (Nanded, Adampur) |
| Airlines Exited | FlyBig has completely stopped its services from Hindan Airport |
Main Reasons Behind the Sudden Flight Cuts
Aviation experts suggest that the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar is a major factor as airlines are prioritizing slots there. Technical limitations at Hindan also play a role because it is an Indian Air Force base where only dawn-to-dusk operations are permitted. New pilot duty rules starting in March 2026 are also causing airlines to consolidate their operations. Airport Director Dr. Chilka Mahesh mentioned that despite sending inquiries, airlines have not provided a clear explanation for these permanent cancellations.
Expansion Plans and Advice for Passengers
Despite the current crisis, the Airports Authority of India has started expanding the terminal building and parking facilities to support larger aircraft in the future. Local MP Atul Garg has suggested focusing on high-demand routes until the expansion is complete. Passengers whose flights are cancelled are eligible for full refunds or can opt for alternative flights from Delhi IGI airport. Travelers are advised to check their flight status and reach the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time.
