Aero India 2025: Traffic on ground and wonder in the sky during rehearsals in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Before stepping through the gates of the Yelahanka Air Force Station on Thursday, enthusiastic visitors — dressed in their best for the Aero India rehearsal — first encountered traffic congestion stretching at least two kilometres.

Multiple signboards lined the route to the base, but traffic slowed near the Palanahalli bus stop. Security personnel directed vehicles to designated parking spots after verifying the special passes issued for the rehearsal.

As aircraft performed daring manoeuvres in the sky, phones and high-end cameras tracked their movements, capturing every twist and turn. Excited "oohs" and "aahs" followed the white smoke trails left behind.

While the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) was the star attraction, the HAL Light Utility Helicopter, Sukhoi SU-30MKI, and B-1B Lancer also drew loud cheers.

A Border Security Force (BSF) officer, with nearly 35 years of service, noted that the pilots selected for the air display undergo extensive training well in advance. "This is my second time watching the Aero Show. These stunts are specifically learned for this event and are different from what these pilots do on duty," he said.

Strong morning winds stirred up plumes of dust as spectators shielded themselves from the sand and heat while cheering on the pilots. Birds occasionally disrupted the displays, prompting security personnel to fire air shots to disperse them.

A group of newly posted Air Force technical personnel, dressed in team uniforms, posed for photographs with the civilian crowd.

One of them, stationed at Yelahanka for five months, explained that their responsibilities included managing merchandise sales, guiding schoolchildren, and assisting in other non-technical tasks at the viewing area. The team had been preparing for over a month.

Police officers and army personnel, some holding reserved and general entry passes, gathered to watch the rehearsal ahead of Monday’s Aero Show. Among the many families seated on white plastic chairs or cross-legged under shaded zones, a family from Haveri watched in delight.

"This is our first time here. We got the chance to visit because our neighbour is an officer with the City Armed Reserve," said Kumar, who attended the event with about 20 family members. His mother, Parvathamma, chimed in, "I especially enjoyed the nine Surya Kiran aircraft flying up and performing those stunts."

Despite designated trash bins, plastic bottles and food packets overflowed near the metal boundary lining the airstrip.

What you must carry:

Face mask
Umbrella and cap
Sun protection (sunglasses, arm sleeves)
Earplugs

People take selfies during the dress rehearsal. DH Photo/BK Janardhan