BENGALURU- TATA Group-owned low-cost carrier, Air India Express (IX), continues to expand its operations from Hindon Airport (HDO). The airline is increasing its presence, reinforcing itself as a key player in regional connectivity.
The airline is increasing its network from Hindon further to seven destinations, enhancing accessibility from the National Capital Region (NCR). The expansion has led to a legal dispute between Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and the Union government regarding commercial operations at Hindon Airport.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalGrowing Network from Hindon
Air India Express is doubling its presence at Hindon, with new connections to major cities across India.
The most recent additions include a four-weekly service to Mumbai (BOM), which started on 10th March 2025. Over the next few days, the airline will continue to add more flights. New services to Chennai, Jammu, and Bhubaneswar are all set to take off.
The airline will continue operating flights to Bengaluru (BLR), Kolkata (CCU), Goa (GOI). This expansion will enhance travel options for passengers. Particularly for those in the NCR looking for alternatives to Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL).
Chennai-Hindon flights
Starting 22nd March 2025, Air India Express will begin a daily service between Chennai and Hindon.
- Flight IX 1621 will depart from Chennai at 05:25 am IST. The flight will reach Hindon at 08:30 am IST. The expected flight duration is 3 hours and 5 minutes.
- The return flight, IX 1628, will depart from Hindon at 09:30 am IST. The return flight will reach Chennai at 12:30 pm IST. The expected flight duration is 3 hours.
The Chennai-Hindon flights will be operated using Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
Bhubaneswar-Hindon flights
Starting 30th March 2025, Air India Express will fly 6 times a week (6x Weekly, No Saturday Operations) between Bhubaneswar and Hindon
- Flight IX 1621 will depart from Hindon at 09:20 am IST. The flight will reach Bhubaneswar at 11:45 am IST. The flight duration will to be around 2 hours and 25 minutes.
- The return flights, IX 1624, will depart from Bhubaneswar at 12:15 pm IST. The return flight will reach Hindon at 02:30 pm IST. The flight duration will be around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
The flights will be operated by the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. With this addition, Bhubaneswar joins the growing list of cities directly connected to Hindon, strengthening regional connectivity under the government’s UDAN scheme.
Also Read: Ram Mohan Naidu Inaugurates Air India Express Hindon to Goa Flight
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalLegal Battle Over Hindon’s Commercial Operations
Even though Air India Express is growing its footprint at Hindon, a legal challenge from DIAL threatens to disrupt operations. DIAL, led by GMR Group, has filed a lawsuit against the Union government, citing a violation of aviation policies that prohibit new greenfield airports within 150 kilometers of an existing civilian airport.
The case, filed in the Delhi High Court on March 10, argues that Hindon’s operations infringe on DIAL’s rights. Given its agreement with the government over airport development in the NCR, DIAL believes Hindon operations may affect their revenue.
This is not the first time DIAL has objected to Hindon’s commercial use. A similar lawsuit last year was dismissed after the court sided with the government, allowing operations to continue. The government maintains that Hindon is not a new greenfield airport but a civil enclave that has been operational since 2017.
Hindon is developed under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN) to enhance accessibility to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. The legal battle’s outcome could have a significant impact on the future of commercial aviation in the NCR and the viability of Hindon as an alternative airport to Delhi IGI.
Photo: Hindon AirportThe Future of Hindon
Air India Express continues to expand its network. Hindon Airport is steadily growing into a viable secondary airport for NCR travelers. The continued addition of flights suggests a long-term commitment by Air India Express, despite the ongoing legal hurdles.
Air India Express is likely to connect more cities soon. Reports indicate a possible extension of the Mumbai flight to another North Indian airport, potentially Amritsar (ATQ). Additionally, the Bengaluru route remains one of the most frequent, operating twice daily.
As the case progresses in court, aviation stakeholders will closely watch how Hindon’s future unfolds. If the government prevails, the airport could see even more airlines joining the expansion wave, further strengthening its role in regional connectivity.
All Images by Harsh Tekriwal | AvgeekwithLens
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