100 Years of Airmail

INDIPEX 2011 and Special Stamp Series

To mark INDIPEX 2011 – the World Philatelic Exhibition, held at New Delhi from 12 to 18 February 2011, India Post released a special series of postage stamps. The series was issued in three distinct sets:

• The first set of six stamps showcased Postal Heritage Buildings.
• The second set of four stamps highlighted postage stamps issued by the Princely States of India.
• The third and final set commemorated the completion of 100 years of Airmail Service in India.

The First Airmail Flight – A Historic Beginning

A landmark moment in world postal history occurred on 18 February 1911 when Henri Piquet piloted a Humber Biplane from the right bank of the River Yamuna at Allahabad, crossing to the left bank, where he dropped a mailbag at Naini Railway Station.
The bag contained 6,500 letters and postcards, marking the world’s first official airmail flight. With this pioneering effort, India became the first country in the world to carry mail by air.

Early Innovations in Airmail

Following this historic flight, India continued to lead in postal innovation. In 1931, India became the first country to introduce an Airmail Postcard.
The first regular airmail service began in 1920, operating between Mumbai (then Bombay) and Karachi, establishing routine aerial mail transport.

Airmail in Independent India

After independence, another significant milestone was achieved on 30 January 1949, when Shri Rafi Ahmed Kidwai, the then Minister of Communications, introduced the “All-up Mail Scheme”. Under this scheme, all First Class domestic mail was airlifted without any additional surcharge, making airmail accessible to the general public.

Earlier Philatelic Commemorations

India Post has consistently commemorated milestones in airmail history through postage stamps. Notable issues include:

1. First Airmail Post Golden Jubilee (Set of 3 stamps) – 1961
2. Air Mail (Set of 4 stamps) – 1979
3. 75th Anniversary of the First Aerial Post (Set of 2 stamps) – 1986
4. 150 Years of India Post – 2004
5. India Post Freighter – 2009

Design of the Centenary Issue

The set of four commemorative stamps, along with a Miniature Sheet and First Day Cover, recreates the historic 1911 flight over the River Yamuna. The design features the aircraft, the pilot and the flight path, with the majestic Allahabad Fort depicted in the background.
The First Day Cover presents a collage of earlier airmail-related stamps, visually linking past commemorations with the centenary issue.

Philatelic Tribute

Through this special issue, India Post celebrates 100 years of Airmail Service, honouring India’s pioneering role in global postal aviation and commemorating a century of innovation, connectivity and service through the skies.