Who is Dhira Chaliha Hazarika? Meet the First Assamese Woman Pilot Who Returned to the Skies at 85

Dhira Chaliha Hazarika has once again proved that age is just a number. At 85 years old, the first Assamese woman pilot returned to the skies, decades after earning her pilot’s license in 1961. Her inspiring comeback has touched hearts across India and beyond.

Business leader Anand Mahindra took to X (formerly Twitter) to celebrate her achievement. He wrote, “She deserves a place in India’s Aviation Hall of Fame simply for being a trailblazer.”

“But for flying again at 85, she belongs in a global Hall of Fame for her courage, her resilience, and her life-affirming spirit.”

Mahindra also shared a short video showing Dhira flying over Berkshire and the River Thames, capturing a moment that blended nostalgia and triumph.

Who is Dhira Chaliha Hazarika? Early Life and Dream to Fly

Born in Jorhat, Assam, in 1940, Dhira grew up watching planes soar over the Burma front during World War II. Fascinated by the skies, she would climb trees to catch a better glimpse of aircraft. Her father, Kamaleshwar Chaliha, supported her ambitions — rare for that time when women were expected to follow traditional roles.

After graduating from Handique College in Guwahati, Dhira saw an advertisement in 1959 for pilot training scholarships at the Assam Flying Club. That opportunity changed her life forever.

Becoming Assam’s First Woman Pilot

Dhira began her training on Tiger Moth and Pushpak aircraft — small two-seater propeller planes with no modern navigation tools. She learned through pure skill and instinct.
In April 1961, at just 21 years old, she earned her Pilot’s A Licence, becoming Assam’s first woman pilot. Her first solo flight took off from Borjhar to Tezpur, marking a historic moment for Indian aviation.

People from nearby villages would gather at Azara airstrip just to see her land — a young Assamese woman commanding the skies.

Balancing Dreams and Family

Dhira’s dream of becoming a commercial pilot took a turn when she married Kamal Hazarika and moved to London. Family responsibilities came first, as was common for many women of her generation.
Yet, her love for flying never faded. She often visited flying clubs in the UK, sharing stories of her time in the skies and encouraging others to chase their dreams.

Flying Again at 85

After more than six decades, Dhira returned to the cockpit in 2025. She took to the skies again in a Tiger Moth aircraft over Berkshire and the River Thames, with Captain John Towell assisting her.

Interestingly, this particular Tiger Moth had appeared in famous Hollywood films such as The King’s Speech and Thunderbirds, adding another layer of history to her incredible flight.

A Living Legend Writing Her Story

Now, Dhira Chaliha Hazarika is working on her autobiography, documenting her life’s journey — from being a young Assamese girl watching planes to becoming a symbol of courage, determination, and inspiration for generations of women.

Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to follow your passion and touch the sky again.