Varanasi: The skies over the Ganga are set to become the stage for a spectacular aerial display as the Indian Air Force ’s Central Air Command steps up preparations for Aerial Display: 2026, bracing to handle an estimated 10 lakh to 20 lakh spectators each day on Oct 22, 23 and 25.
Talking to TOI on Sunday, Agrawal said, “All events and flypasts finalised for the proposed air show will take place on each day on Oct 22, 23 and 25. In view of the crowding in past airshows of IAF in Prayagraj, Chennai and other places, all our preparations are being done to manage the crowd between 10 lakh and 20 lakh per day. Officials are expecting the arrival of VIPs like PM Modi to attend the show on October 25.
Agrawal said that all arrangements, crowd diversion and security measures are being finalised to manage both the heavy crowd and VIP movement. Officials said that crowd management will be enforced each day to regulate people from their arrival until their hassle-free exit. With the event being held in Prime Minister Narendra Modi ’s parliamentary constituency and an invitation also set to be extended to him, authorities are simultaneously fine-tuning arrangements for VIPs amid the massive crowds. Namo Ghat will serve as the base stand for the show, while the riverside ghats and the expansive sandbed on the opposite bank will transform into vantage points for spectators. There will be no increase or curtailment of any event or flypast on any day.
The IAF officials kept monitoring all the arrangements, and people had to wait for the formal announcement of the proposed event until Sept 21, when a Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed the IAF Aerial Display: 2026 at Namo Ghat. The officers also reviewed the system of vehicle passes for authorised vehicles entering the show area and directed that the process remain clear, organised and strictly monitored to prevent unauthorised entry. The helipad was inspected with specific focus on security, access control, emergency response arrangements and maintenance of a secure perimeter in the surrounding area. Police, traffic police and district administration officials were instructed to work in close coordination and conduct prior ground testing of routes, barricading, parking, entry and exit points, and security plans.