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India's first airport, Juhu Aerodrome, was established in 1928 in Bombay, now known as Mumbai. The airport played a significant role in India's aviation history, serving as the base for Tata Airlines, which later became Air India. J.R.D. Tata, often regarded as the father of civil aviation in India, made his maiden voyage to Juhu Airport in 1932, marking the beginning of India's aviation journey. Today, Juhu Aerodrome is primarily used for general aviation and helicopter operations, while Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport serves as Mumbai's primary airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Juhu Aerodrome |
| Location | Juhu, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Year Established | 1928 |
| Founder | J.R.D. Tata |
| Significance | India's first airport, first scheduled commercial mail service, and first international flight |
| Current Use | General aviation, helicopter operations, and historical landmark |
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What You'll Learn
Juhu Aerodrome, Mumbai
Juhu Aerodrome, located in Juhu, Mumbai, is a historic landmark in India's aviation history. It was founded in 1928 as one of India's first civil aviation airports, four years after the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) was opened. Juhu Aerodrome initially started as an unpaved airfield and was used by the Bombay Flying Club for teaching, joyrides, and air travel. However, the activities were limited during the monsoon season due to waterlogging issues.
In 1932, J.R.D. Tata, known as the father of civil aviation in India, made his maiden voyage to Juhu Aerodrome from Drigh Road Airstrip in Karachi, via Ahmedabad. This voyage inaugurated India's first scheduled commercial mail service, marking the birth of Air India. At this time, Air India was based out of a hut with a palm-thatched roof and had one pilot and two apprentice mechanics with two piston-engined aircraft.
Juhu Aerodrome served as the city's primary airport during and up to World War II. However, the absence of proper runways for monsoon take-offs and waterlogging issues were significant drawbacks. In 1948, commercial operations were moved to the larger RAF Santa Cruz, now known as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) or Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA). Despite the move, Juhu Aerodrome continued to be used by prominent figures such as Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1948 and Deputy Prime Minister Vallabhbhai Patel in December 1950.
Today, the Juhu Aerodrome handles all helicopter operations out of Mumbai, including private helicopter charters. It also hosts the Bombay Flying Club and several executive and light aircraft and gliders. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has proposed extending the runway into the sea to accommodate larger aircraft, but permission has been denied due to environmental concerns. Nonetheless, Juhu Aerodrome remains a cherished landmark, preserving India's early aviation milestones.
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Tata Airlines, 1932
Juhu Aerodrome, the first airport in India, was built in 1928 in Mumbai. In 1932, J.R.D Tata, the father of civil aviation in India, landed at the Juhu Aerodrome, inaugurating India's first scheduled commercial mail service. Tata himself flew the first single-engine de Havilland Puss Moth, carrying airmail from Karachi to Bombay's Juhu Aerodrome. The airline was called the Tata Airmail Service and later became known as Tata Airlines.
Tata Airlines was founded by the Tata Group and was headquartered in Mumbai. In its first year of operation, the airline flew 160,000 miles, carrying 155 passengers and 9.72 tonnes of mail. The airline made a profit of ₹60,000. The inaugural flight took place on 15 October 1932, with JRD Tata at the helm. Tata had earned his commercial aviator's license in 1929, three years before the first flight.
Tata Airlines initially served the following destinations: Karachi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bellary, and Chennai. Later, in 1938, Delhi and Colombo were added to the list of destinations. During World War II, the airline supported the Royal Air Force with troop movements, shipping supplies, refugee rescue, and aircraft maintenance.
In 1946, after World War II, Tata Airlines became a public limited company and was renamed Air India. In 1947, following Indian independence, 49% of the airline was acquired by the Government of India. In 1953, the airline was nationalised, and in 1960, it became the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft into its fleet.
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J.R.D. Tata, Father of Civil Aviation
J.R.D. Tata, also known as Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata, is widely regarded as the "Father of Civil Aviation" in India. Born on July 29, 1904, in Paris, France, to an Indian Parsi family, Tata played a pivotal role in pioneering India's aviation industry.
Tata's journey into the world of aviation began when he was just 15 years old. He took a joyride in a plane in France and from that moment on, he knew he wanted to become a pilot. In 1929, Tata became one of the first Indians to obtain a commercial pilot's license. He joined Tata Sons as an unpaid apprentice in 1925 and later became the chairman of the group in 1938, leading one of India's largest industrial conglomerates.
Tata's most notable contribution to Indian aviation came in 1932. On October 15, 1932, he embarked on the inaugural flight of Tata Airlines (later renamed Air India), India's first commercial airline, from Karachi's Drigh Road aerodrome to Juhu Airport in Bombay (now Mumbai). This historic flight marked the commencement of India's first scheduled commercial mail service and passenger flight. Tata's airline initially operated with two Puss Moth aircraft, which he purchased from Sir Geoffrey de Havilland, known as the father of British aviation.
Tata's passion for aviation was unwavering, and he dedicated 46 years of his life to the industry. Under his leadership, Air India flourished, and he ensured that the airline maintained the highest standards of quality and efficiency. Tata's commitment to excellence extended beyond the aviation industry. He founded several successful companies under the Tata Group, including Tata Consultancy Services, Tata Motors, Titan Industries, Tata Salt, Voltas, and Air India.
JRD Tata's contributions to Indian aviation were widely recognized during his lifetime. He received numerous awards and honours, including the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna, two of India's highest civilian awards. Additionally, he was conferred honorary ranks by the Indian Air Force and was awarded the French Legion of Honour. Tata's legacy continues to inspire, and he remains an enduring symbol of India's aviation history.
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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport
Juhu Aerodrome, built in 1928, is recognised as India's first airport. However, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSIA) in Mumbai, formerly known as Sahar International Airport, is also one of the country's oldest airports. It was initially built as an airbase adjacent to Juhu Aerodrome in 1946 and was later converted into a public airport.
CSIA is named after Shivaji (1630-1680), the 17th-century Chhatrapati of the Maratha Empire. The title "Maharaj" was added to the airport's name in 2018. The airport is located in the suburbs of Santacruz and Sahar Village in Vile Parle East, Mumbai, and is India's second busiest airport after Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. It is also the 14th busiest airport in Asia and the 31st busiest in the world by passenger traffic.
CSIA is operated by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), a joint venture between Adani Enterprises, a subsidiary of the Adani Group, and Airports Authority of India. The airport has two terminals, T1 (Santacruz Terminal) and T2 (Sahar), both of which handle domestic flights, while T2 also operates international flights. T2 has 108 parking stands for aircraft, 60 jetways, 192 check-in counters, and a multi-level car parking capacity of up to 5,000 cars. The airport also has a General Aviation Terminal for private and non-scheduled charter flights and a cargo air complex located west of Terminal 2.
The airport has received several awards and recognitions, including the World's Best Airport by Airports Council International and the Best Airport in India and Central Asia during the Skytrax World Airport Awards in 2016. It is also one of three airports in India that has implemented the A-CDM (Airport Collaborative Decision Making) system to ensure timely flight operations.
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Air India's first international flight
India's first airport, the Juhu Aerodrome, was built in 1928. It was founded as one of India's first civil aviation airports and served as the starting point for the country's first scheduled commercial flight. The airport was used by the newly established Bombay Flying Club for teaching, joyrides, and air travel.
In 1932, J.R.D. Tata, the father of civil aviation in India, landed at the Juhu Aerodrome, inaugurating India's first scheduled commercial mail service. Tata flew from Drigh Road Airstrip in Karachi to Bombay, via Ahmedabad, carrying mail in a Puss Moth aircraft. The Tata Airmail Service continued on to Pune, Bellary, and Madras. This was the birth of Air India, which, in 1932, was based out of a hut with a palm-thatched roof and had one pilot and two apprentice mechanics.
On June 8, 1948, Air India International, with the famous Maharaja as its mascot, made its maiden international flight to London via Cairo and Geneva. The flight, which departed from Bombay's Santa Cruz Airport, carried 35 passengers on a 40-seater Lockheed Constellation L-749A named Malabar Princess. The airline had meticulously planned for its first international flight, recruiting new staff and opening offices in Cairo, Geneva, and London.
In 1960, Air India International inducted its first Boeing 707 -420 named Gauri Shankar, becoming the first Asian airline to induct a jet aircraft into its fleet. Two years later, the airline officially changed its name to Air India and became the world's first all-jet airline.
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Frequently asked questions
Juhu Aerodrome, located in Mumbai, was India's first airport.
The Juhu Aerodrome was built in 1928.
J.R.D. Tata, often regarded as the father of civil aviation in India, was responsible for founding Tata Airlines, which later became Air India and operated out of Juhu Aerodrome.
The Juhu Aerodrome served as the starting point for India's first scheduled commercial mail service in 1932 and played a crucial role during World War II as a base for military operations.
Yes, the Juhu Aerodrome is still operational today, primarily serving general aviation aircraft and helicopters, including private helicopter charters.
