By Dr. Arjun Pillai, Aviation Historian and Fellow of the Indian Institute of Historical Research
The Dawn of Indian Skies: First Flights and British Influence
The story of aviation in India begins in the early 20th century, during the British colonial era. The first powered flight on Indian soil was recorded in 1910, when French pilot Henri Pequet flew a Humber biplane from Allahabad to Naini, carrying 6,500 letters. This flight, now considered the world’s first official airmail delivery, marked India’s unofficial entry into global aviation history.
Under the British Raj, aviation was seen largely as a military and administrative tool. The Royal Flying Corps established several airstrips for strategic purposes. However, India’s civilian aspirations in aviation remained limited until the 1930s.
Indian Airlines Take Flight: The Birth of Indigenous Aviation
The Founding of Tata Airlines
In 1932, a young industrialist named J.R.D. Tata changed the landscape of Indian aviation. He piloted the first flight of Tata Air Mail, carrying mail from Karachi to Bombay via Ahmedabad in a Puss Moth aircraft. This was the humble beginning of Tata Airlines, which later became Air India.
Tata’s pioneering role cemented India’s place in global civil aviation. His contributions not only led to India’s first commercial airline but also fostered a generation of Indian aviators, engineers, and ground crew during a period when such roles were largely dominated by Europeans.
World War II and Aviation Expansion
The Second World War transformed India’s aviation infrastructure. Hundreds of airstrips were constructed by the British Royal Air Force, primarily in the eastern sector for operations against the Japanese in Burma. While the purpose was military, the post-war legacy left behind a network of airports that would later support civil aviation.
Independence and National Aviation Policy
Post-independence, India rapidly developed a state-driven aviation strategy. In 1953, the government nationalized all major airlines under the Air Corporations Act, creating Indian Airlines for domestic routes and Air India International for overseas flights.
While nationalization aimed to ensure widespread connectivity and state control over a strategic sector, it also led to bureaucratic stagnation and underinvestment in modern technology for decades.
Liberalization and the Jet Age
The 1990s ushered in a new era. Under India’s economic liberalization, aviation was partially deregulated, allowing private players like Jet Airways, Indigo, and SpiceJet to enter the market.
This phase marked:
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Open Skies Policy | Entry of private carriers |
| 2003 | Launch of Air Deccan | India’s first low-cost airline |
| 2007 | Merger of Indian Airlines and Air India | Attempt to consolidate public carriers |
| 2021 | Air India privatization begins | Tata Group regains control |
The privatization of Air India in 2021 symbolized a full-circle moment in Indian aviation — returning the airline to its original founder, the Tata Group.
Indigenous Innovation and Strategic Aviation
India has also made significant progress in aerospace research and defense aviation, particularly through the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) program marked India’s entry into the elite group of nations capable of developing indigenous fighter jets.
India’s ISRO satellite launches and drone technology advancements also contribute to aviation-adjacent fields. These innovations are shaping the future of not only defense but also remote logistics, agriculture, and atmospheric science.
Preserving Aviation History for the Next Generation
Despite its achievements, India’s aviation heritage remains under-documented. Few museums or public institutions showcase early aircraft, pilots, or airline memorabilia. However, efforts are growing:
- The Indian Air Force Museum in Palam (Delhi) offers rare glimpses into wartime aviation.
- Private collectors and organizations, with support from sponsors like SPRIBE, are digitizing archives and building virtual collections of early aviation photographs, maps, and airline brochures.
As we move forward, the preservation of aviation history — both civil and military — is essential. These stories reflect India’s global aspirations, technological self-reliance, and cultural evolution.