Hindon Airport, Ghaziabad: Terminal, Code, Location, Connectivity and Amenities

Ghaziabad is Delhi-NCR’s eastern expansion — a city of approximately 4 million people in western Uttar Pradesh that is functionally integrated with the national capital’s economic, industrial, and residential fabric. The Hindon River gives the airport its name; the Hindan Air Force Station — reputedly the largest air force base in Asia by area — gives it its location. Hindon Airport carries IATA code HDO and ICAO code VIDX, sits in Sikandarpur village of Sahibabad on a 22,050-square-metre site adjacent to the IAF base, was inaugurated by PM Modi on 8 March 2019, and exists with a single purpose: to serve as a secondary aviation gateway for Delhi-NCR residents who cannot get convenient slots at Indira Gandhi International Airport. It handled 1,047,163 passengers in 2025–26 — a staggering 1,248% year-on-year increase — as IndiGo, Air India Express, and Star Air expanded their networks from this secondary hub. Expansion plans including 6.8 additional acres and night landing facilities were initiated in May 2026.

Quick Overview: Hindon Airport

Hindon Airport Location: Asia’s Largest Air Base’s Civil Corner

Hindon Airport is located at Sikandarpur village in Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, approximately 12 km from Ghaziabad city centre and approximately 27 km from Delhi’s Connaught Place. The coordinates are 28°42′21″N, 77°20′32″E, at an elevation of 213 metres above sea level. The Hindan Air Force Station — operational since 1958 and considered the largest IAF base by land area — surrounds the 22,050-square-metre civil enclave on all sides.

The airport’s strategic positioning serves a specific demographic: the 6 to 8 million residents of Ghaziabad, Noida, Greater Noida, and eastern and northeastern Delhi who find Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI) 40 to 60 km away through intense traffic, while Hindon is 10 to 20 km closer. The Red Line of Delhi Metro’s Vaishali extension terminus is approximately 3 to 4 km from the airport, making it the only UP civil airport with practical Metro connectivity to the national capital.

Code, Terminal and the 1,248% Passenger Surge

IATA HDO and ICAO VIDX are the formal codes. The terminal is a pre-engineered, air-conditioned structure built in record time — construction began August 2018 and the airport opened March 2019, a 7-month build that reflects both the urgency of NCR’s slot shortage and the pre-engineered construction method’s speed. Eight check-in counters, two conveyor belts, and a 300-passenger-per-hour capacity constitute the terminal’s core specification.

The 1,248% passenger surge in 2025–26 to 10,47,163 is one of the sharpest year-on-year jumps in Indian aviation — driven by IndiGo’s aggressive network expansion from Hindon, adding routes to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Patna, Varanasi, Indore, and Ahmedabad. Air India Express and Star Air added further capacity. The airport’s location advantage for NCR’s eastern population — shorter road distance, faster security (no massive IGI queues), and lower parking costs — was finally unlocked by frequency.

The 2025–26 surge has strained the 300-passenger-per-hour terminal. In May 2026, the UP government and AAI initiated acquisition of 6.8 additional acres in Sikandarpur village for terminal expansion, additional parking bays, and improved facilities. Discussions for night landing facilities — not available due to IAF base constraints — were also underway, which would transform HDO’s scheduling flexibility.

Hindon Airport Connectivity: NCR’s Eastern Gateway

By Air: IndiGo is the dominant carrier, operating Bengaluru, Kolkata, Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, Patna, Varanasi, Indore, and Ahmedabad routes. Air India Express serves selected destinations. Star Air connects Hindon to Kishangarhi (Ajmer), Nanded, and Adampur (Punjab). Confirm current schedules before booking.

By Road: Ghaziabad city centre is ~12 km. Raj Nagar Extension and Indirapuram — two major Ghaziabad residential zones — are approximately 5 to 8 km. Noida is approximately 15 km. NH-9 (Ghaziabad-Delhi Highway) and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway provide road access. Taxis, Ola, and Uber serve the airport. UPSRTC buses at ₹15 to ₹40 connect budget travellers.

By Metro: Delhi Metro Red Line’s Vaishali terminus is approximately 3 to 4 km from the airport. The Red Line connects to central Delhi and interchange stations for other Metro lines. This makes Hindon one of the better-connected NCR secondary airports for Metro users.

Hindon Airport Amenities: Compact and Efficient

The pre-engineered terminal prioritises functional efficiency over aesthetic. Eight check-in counters process departures. Security is thorough given the IAF base context. ATMs, snack counters, a waiting lounge with charging points, and restrooms serve passengers. Car parking is available outside. No dedicated premium lounge, no duty-free. Arrive 90 minutes before departure — IAF security protocols add processing time.

FAQs: Hindon Airport

Q1. What is the IATA code for Hindon Airport?

HDO is the IATA code and VIDX is the ICAO code. The airport is at Sikandarpur, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad — a civil enclave at Hindan Air Force Station, approximately 12 km from Ghaziabad city.

Q2. Why was Hindon Airport built?

To serve as a secondary aviation gateway for Delhi-NCR’s eastern population (Ghaziabad, Noida, eastern Delhi) who find IGI Airport 40 to 60 km away through heavy traffic. Hindon is 10 to 20 km closer for these residents and faces lower congestion.

Q3. What caused Hindon Airport’s 1,248% passenger surge in 2025–26?

IndiGo’s aggressive network expansion from Hindon — adding routes to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Goa, Patna, Varanasi, Indore, and Ahmedabad — unlocked pent-up NCR demand from the eastern zones where Hindon’s location advantage is clearest.

Q4. Is there Metro connectivity to Hindon Airport?

Delhi Metro Red Line’s Vaishali terminus is approximately 3 to 4 km from the airport — making Hindon one of the few UP civil airports with practical Metro connectivity. A short cab or e-rickshaw covers the final stretch.

Q5. What expansion is planned at Hindon Airport?

In May 2026, the UP government and AAI initiated land acquisition of 6.8 additional acres in Sikandarpur for terminal expansion, additional parking bays, and improved facilities. Night landing facility discussions were also underway — a capability currently absent due to IAF base constraints.