Who Was Dalip Singh Majithia? India's Oldest Air Force Pilot Passes Away At 103

who was dalip singh majithia? india’s oldest air force pilot passes away at 103

New Delhi: Veteran air warrior Squadron Leader (retd) Dalip Singh Majithia, who joined the Indian Air Force during the tumultuous years of World War II, and was the oldest fighter pilot of the Indian Air Force (IAF), died at the age of 103 at Uttarakhand’s Rudrapur in the early hours of Tuesday.

Majithia distinguished himself as a “fearless aviator” during his career. The centenarian had “over 1,100 flying hours to his name”, including missions in aircraft such as Hurricanes and Spitfires.

According to Indian Air Force (IAF) sources, the IAF veteran was affectionately called ‘Maji’ by his fellow air warriors.

Taking to X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to India’s oldest air force pilot’s family and admirers.

“Squadron Leader Dalip Singh Majithia Ji’s exemplary career and valour exemplify the highest ideals of service and dedication to our country. His passing away is a profound loss to the Indian Air Force. His contribution will forever be a source of inspiration. Condolences to his family and admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” PM Modi said.

Who Was Dalip Singh Majithia?

Dalip Singh Majithia, born in 1920 in Simla, pursued his education at Khalsa College in Amritsar and later in Lahore, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. In November 1939, he joined the air force during World War II.

Following a thorough selection procedure, Squadron Leader Majithia completed his basic flying training at the Karachi Flying Club, where he trained on the Gypsy Moth aircraft.

In August 1940, Majithia enrolled in the 4th Pilot Course at the Initial Training School (ITS) located in Walton, Lahore. He had accumulated 58 flight hours on the Tiger Moth by the end of 1940 and received the best pilot trophy.

Majithia then went to the No. 1 Flying Training School in Ambala for six months of advanced training, where he completed 150 hours of flight training. During this time, he acquired skills such as map reading, night approaches, aerobatics, formation flying, forced landings, and instrument flying, as stated by the IAF. He was awarded his wings on 24 May 1941.