India’s first plane took off from THIS place in the country, not Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai or Ahmedabad, it is a small town in…, name is…

This historic event occurred 114 years ago, on February 18, 1911, when the plane landed in Naini, a town in Uttar Pradesh.

Did you know when and where the very first airplane in India took off? Or who flew it, what kind of aircraft it was, and how it even created a world record? Here’s the fascinating story of that historic moment. The first airplane to ever fly in India was a Humbert biplane, also the very first aircraft to arrive in the country. On its maiden flight, it covered just 6 miles (about 9.6 km). It was so slow that people joked, “Even a fast runner could beat it.” Yet, this humble flight marked the beginning of aviation history in India.

Where did the first airplane fly in India

This historic flight took place in Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh, on February 18, 1911. The plane took off from Allahabad and, in just 13 minutes, landed in Naini, covering a distance of 6 miles (9.6 km).

The aircraft, a Humbert biplane, not only became the first plane to fly in India but also marked the beginning of aviation history in the country.

In those days, early airplanes had an average speed of just 40 to 45 miles per hour (about 64 to 72 km/h). This plane ran on a trolley and was even slower than a bus. In fact, a fast runner on the ground could have easily overtaken it.

Despite its speed, this flight marked a historic milestone, as it launched India’s first commercial airmail service, a major achievement at the time.

Who was the pilot of the first aircraft?

The pilot of this aircraft was Henri Pequet, who flew the Humbert biplane carrying 6,500 letters. This marked the world’s first official airmail flight, setting a global record. The journey started from the Polo Ground in Allahabad (now Prayagraj) and ended at Naini Junction.

How the aircraft reached India

The British and Colonial Aeroplane Company shipped the plane to India in 1911 to showcase it at the Uttar Pradesh Exhibition and during the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. The aircraft was transported in over 100 separate parcels by sea. It took British engineers several days to assemble the plane, and huge crowds gathered just to witness the process.

When the plane finally took off in Prayagraj, around one lakh (100,000) people gathered to watch. At the time, Allahabad was a key British administrative and military center. The event was organized by the British and Colonial Aeroplane Company with the support and planning of British postal officials, especially Colonel W. Windham.

Features of the aircraft

The Humbert biplane had two seats, but only the pilot flew that day since the purpose of the flight was to carry mail, not passengers. Powered by a 50-horsepower piston engine, the plane carried 30–50 liters of aviation-grade petrol, enough for the 13-minute journey.

India’s first chartered and international flights

• The first chartered passenger flight in India took place on October 15, 1932, when J.R.D. Tata piloted Tata Airlines’ inaugural flight from Karachi to Mumbai.
• The first proper airstrip was built around the same time to allow safe takeoffs and landings.
• The first international flight was on June 8, 1948, when Air India successfully flew 35 passengers from Mumbai to London.