The Indian Air Force (IAF) Day celebrations are poised to return to the historic Hindon Airbase in the Delhi-NCR region this year, reaffirming its role as the primary venue for the event. This decision marks a significant shift from the past few years, during which the celebrations were held in various cities including Chandigarh, Prayagraj, and Chennai. The return to Hindon underscores the airbase’s strategic significance in India’s air defense network, particularly following the success of Operation Sindoor.
Observed annually on October 8th, IAF Day commemorates the bravery and dedication of personnel within the force. The recent decision to relocate the celebrations back to Hindon not only acknowledges the airbase’s operational history but also celebrates the IAF’s achievements, particularly in light of its central role in Operation Sindoor.
Hindon Airbase served as a critical hub during Operation Sindoor, executed on May 7, 2025, which involved precise military strikes targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The airbase was instrumental in deploying crucial aircraft for the operation, ensuring its successful implementation.
In a testament to its strategic operations, commercial flight services from the Hindon civil terminal were temporarily halted during the execution of Operation Sindoor to maintain operational security. The terminal, which typically manages around 16 flights daily primarily through Air India Express, ceased its functions as a precautionary measure during the military action.
The reinstatement of IAF Day at Hindon is being viewed as a tribute to the airbase’s significant contributions during Operation Sindoor and its enduring legacy in India’s air defense architecture. The upcoming celebrations are anticipated to be grand and reflective of the force’s accomplishments, fostering renewed public confidence in the capabilities of the Indian Air Force following its recent successful operations.
