The Indian Air Force (IAF) Day celebrations are set to return to the Hindon Airbase in the Delhi-NCR region this year, reinstating its status as the primary venue after being hosted in various cities since 2022. The decision comes in the wake of the resounding success of Operation Sindoor, underscoring Hindon’s continued strategic importance in India’s air defence network.
Traditionally observed on October 8th, IAF Day honours the valor and dedication of the force’s personnel. In recent years, the celebrations have rotated among cities like Chandigarh, Prayagraj, and Chennai to encourage nationwide participation. However, the return to Hindon highlights the airbase’s historic and operational significance.
Hindon Airbase was a key hub during Operation Sindoor, the precise military strikes carried out on May 7, 2025, targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The airbase facilitated the deployment of critical aircraft for the operation, playing a central role in its execution.
To ensure operational security during the operation, commercial flights from the Hindon civil terminal were temporarily suspended. The terminal, which handles 16 flights daily mainly through Air India Express, had to halt its services as a precautionary measure during the military action.
The return of the IAF Day event to Hindon is seen as a tribute to the airbase’s vital contributions during Operation Sindoor and its longstanding legacy as a cornerstone of India’s air defence capabilities. The celebrations are expected to be grand, reflecting both the achievements of the IAF and renewed public confidence following the successful operation.
