Aviation aficionados are in for a major disappointment as the biennial civil aviation event will not have an air show this year.
Confirming the development, a senior official said that it was on March 6 that authorities decided against it.
The official said the plan was to have nine Surya Kiran aircraft fly in formation at the air show, which was shelved after a recce was conducted.
“There are settlements around the airport and that is why the air show has been dropped. Flying nine aircraft in formation is a challenge. It was also considered unsafe for the aircraft. The last time we had the air show, the aircraft were smaller,” the official said.
In 2016, the Global Stars aerobatic team, led by Mark Jeferies, had left the audience in awe.
While the aviation show will be open to the public, aviation institutes and students on Saturday and Sunday, aviation enthusiasts are in for more disappointment. With the ticket – available on a popular ticketing portal – are priced at ₹400, unlike last time, no large aircraft are scheduled to be on display at Wings India 2018. In 2016, the event boasted of showcasing an Emirates-operated Airbus A380 and a Qatar Airways-operated A350, among others.
Earlier in the day, Information Technology Minister K. T. Rama Rao inaugurated an exhibition, which is a part of the biennial event . He was accompanied by officials, including Civil Aviation secretary R.N. Choubey.
Over 100 exhibitors from several countries, spread over three halls, displayed their products and services. The exhibitors include Boeing, Rolls Royce, Pratt & Whitney, Air India and Pawan Hans, among several others.
