Brief history of how civil aviation started in India

Brief history of how civil aviation started in India

Tracing the Fascinating Evolution of India's Civil Aviation Journey

Indian civil aviation sector has come a long way though there is huge scope for further expansion but what we have achieved till today is remarkable.

India's civil aviation journey is a riveting story of dreams taking flight literally and figuratively. From the humble beginnings of carrying mail across short distances to becoming one of the largest aviation markets in the world, India's aviation story is nothing short of extraordinary. Let’s take you through this fascinating timeline, enriched with pioneering milestones and historic achievements.

Airmail in the Skies (1911)

The story began on February 18, 1911, when the world’s first official airmail service took off in India. French pilot Henri Pequet flew a Humber biplane carrying 6,500 letters from Allahabad to Naini, covering just 10 kilometers. It was a historic moment that introduced the subcontinent to the transformative power of aviation.

Image: A sepia-toned photograph of Henri Pequet standing next to his Humber biplane with a crowd gathered around in Allahabad.

Tata’s Visionary Leap (1932)

The next milestone came in the 1930s, spearheaded by the legendary J.R.D. Tata. On October 15, 1932, Tata Airlines, India’s first commercial airline, began operations. J.R.D. Tata himself piloted the inaugural flight, ferrying airmail from Karachi to Bombay via Ahmedabad in a single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth. This small venture would later grow into Air India, a name synonymous with Indian aviation.

Building Airports and Institutions (1920s–1940s)

Recognizing aviation’s potential, India began building civil airports in the 1920s. Airports at Calcutta (Dum Dum), Allahabad (Bamrauli), and Bombay (Gilbert Hill) were among the first to emerge. In 1927, the Indian government established the Department of Civil Aviation and founded the Aero Club of India to foster aviation awareness and training.

Post-Independence Soar (1947–1953)

After independence in 1947, India’s aviation sector witnessed a major transformation. Tata Airlines was rebranded as Air India. The government acquired a 49% stake, and on June 8, 1948, Air India made its first international flight from Bombay to London aboard a Lockheed Constellation aircraft.

By 1953, the Indian government nationalized the aviation industry, forming Indian Airlines Corporation for domestic routes while Air India focused on international travel. This era marked the beginning of structured civil aviation in the country.

The Aviation Boom (1990s Onward)

India’s aviation industry took a quantum leap in the 1990s with economic liberalization open sky policy. Many Private airlines entered the fray, introducing competition and better services. Low-cost carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Akasa air revolutionized the market, making air travel accessible to millions of Indians.

Today, India is the world’s third-largest aviation market, with extensive domestic and international connectivity. The government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme has further democratized flying by connecting underserved regions.

Conclusion

India’s civil aviation journey is a remarkable saga of innovation, resilience, and progress. From carrying letters on a short flight to connecting millions globally, the evolution of Indian aviation reflects the country's aspirations and growth. As India continues to soar higher, this story serves as a testament to what can be achieved with vision and determination.