How Delhi is managing 35 special aircraft during BRICS Summit

Behind the red carpets, motorcades and ceremonial welcomes for BRICS leaders is a tightly coordinated aviation operation involving around 35 special aircraft, multiple airports, controlled airspace and carefully timed movements to accommodate foreign dignitaries without disrupting Delhi’s regular commercial flights.

The operation spans the Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Indian Air Force’s Palam technical area and other airports being used to park visiting aircraft. The CISF, Air Force, aviation authorities, airport operator and other security agencies are coordinating the movements.

For regular passengers, the airport operation begins with processing inside the terminal before they board their aircraft via an aerobridge. VVIP movements are kept separate. Ceremonial facilities are used for senior visitors such as ministers and other high-ranking dignitaries, while the highest-level visitors are handled through the Palam technical area.