BRICS Summit: Noida Airport Welcomes First International Flights as 3 Russian Planes Land

Three Russian military aircraft landed at Noida Airport early Tuesday, marking the first-ever arrival of foreign aircraft at the newly operational facility.

The aircraft landed at around 5:30 am, with an IL-76 military transport aircraft among them. A Russian advance team and military personnel reportedly arrived aboard the planes as part of preparations for Russian President Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to India.

The arrival comes ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit, which is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The Russian aircraft have been stationed at Noida Airport as part of arrangements related to the movement and security of foreign dignitaries attending the high-profile summit.

Russian aircraft stationed at Noida Airport

The three Russian military aircraft remained parked at the airport, with airport security personnel and Russian teams overseeing the aircraft and associated security arrangements.

International military aircraft visiting India have traditionally used Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The landing of the Russian planes at Noida Airport therefore marks an important first for the new airport and highlights its role in handling high-level international movements.

The operation is also part of the preparations being made to ensure smooth logistical and security arrangements for visiting foreign delegations.

BRICS Summit preparations intensify

The 18th BRICS Summit will take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with several heads of state and government expected to participate. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to attend the summit. His expected visit has led to heightened preparations involving security, logistics and diplomatic protocol.

The arrival of the Russian military aircraft at Noida Airport is among the arrangements being made ahead of the summit and the movement of Russian officials and dignitaries.