Legendary Flight Routes of the Indian Postal Service

India's vast geographical expanse, dotted with isolated settlements, posed significant challenges for mail delivery. With the advent of airplanes as a novel mode of transport in the early 20th century, the Indian Postal Service saw an opportunity to distribute letters and parcels at a much faster pace. The initial aircraft used during this period hold a significant place in aviation history, and these flight routes came to be known as the 'Legendary Flight Routes.'

Postal services in India underwent a transformation in 1911 when the first official airmail flight took place during an exhibition in Allahabad. Piloted by Henri Pequet, a Humber Sommer biplane carried approximately 6,500 letters from Allahabad to Naini. This historic event marked a turning point for the Indian Postal Service and garnered worldwide attention.

India's challenging geography posed serious obstacles for postal pilots. Monsoon seasons, the towering peaks of the Himalayas, and dense fog were just some of the hurdles that pilots had to navigate. Under these conditions, flight routes and schedules had to be constantly updated. Stops for aircraft maintenance and refueling became an integral part of the itineraries.

Route Distance Inaugurated

Allahabad - Naini 10 km 1911

Karachi - Delhi 1,028 km 1929

Kolkata - Yangon 1,100 km 1930

The table above highlights some of the significant flight routes in India and their details. These routes stand as a testament to the ingenuity of the aviation industry during that era.

Over time, these legendary flight routes evolved, laying the foundation for the modern postal services of today. With jet-powered aircraft and advanced technology, the Indian Postal Service now delivers millions of letters and parcels safely and swiftly across the globe