Wings Over Ganga airshow starts in Varanasi, 100 IAF aircraft to take to the skies

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force’s Wings Over Ganga airshow opens in Varanasi on Thursday, with 100 aircraft set to showcase the force’s aerial capabilities over the Ganga. The displays are scheduled for October 22, 24 and 25, with no show planned for October 23. followed by the concluding day of the event on October 25 at Namo Ghat, as part of celebrations marking the IAF’s 94th anniversary, with 15–20 lakh spectators expected over the three days.

The display will feature 100 aircraft, including 52 fighter jets and 15 transport aircraft, PTI reported. Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29, Mirage 2000, Jaguar and indigenous light combat aircraft are among the platforms expected to participate, showcasing the IAF’s aerial capabilities and coordination.

Civilians unable to attend in person can follow the event through live coverage on the IAF’s official digital platforms.

The prime minister, Narendra Modi; defence minister, Rajnath Singh; Uttar Pradesh governor, Anandiben Patel and chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, are expected to attend the concluding programme at Namo Ghat on October 25.

The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team will be among the key attractions, performing with nine Hawk Mk 132 aircraft manufactured under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). According to a defence ministry statement issued on October 17, the display will include loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and the team’s signature DNA manoeuvre, accompanied by saffron, white and green smoke trails.

Established in 1996, Suryakiran has completed more than 850 displays in India and abroad.

Five officers from Uttar Pradesh are part of the team, making the performance particularly significant for the pilots appearing in their home state.

11,900 police personnel to oversee security

With large crowds expected along the riverfront, security and traffic arrangements have been put in place across Varanasi. According to media reports, 79 temporary police stations have been established and 11,900 police personnel will be deployed, with support from the PAC, NDRF, SDRF, bomb disposal squad and antiterrorist Squad.

CCTV cameras, 25 watchtowers and metal detectors have been arranged, while designated entry and exit routes will be used along the ghats. Four traffic plans have also been prepared, with separate parking arrangements for visitors arriving from within Varanasi and other districts.

Anti drone systems, all-terrain vehicles and cyber security teams will remain on alert during the event, media reports said. Private boat operations on the Ganga will be prohibited from 8am to5 pm, while unauthorized drone flights within a five-kilometre radius on both sides of the ghats will also be restricted.

Meanwhile, secondary schools in the Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Nagar and Niyamatabad blocks of Chandauli district will suspend physical classes on October 22 and 24 due to the airshow. According to PTI, District Inspector of Schools, Dharmendra Kumar, said the order applies to UP Board, CBSE and ICSE-affiliated schools and colleges, with online classes to continue during the two days,