Noida, Sept. 11 -- In a first for Noida International Airport, three Russian military aircraft landed at the Jewar airport on Thursday late night ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, marking the first reported arrival of foreign military aircraft at the newly operational airport.
The aircraft included an Ilyushin IL-76 military transport plane carrying Russian officials and personnel involved in preparations for President Vladimir Putin's India visit. The arrival is part of the logistical and security arrangements being made ahead of the two-day BRICS summit in the national capital on September 12 and 13.
According to officials, the Russian team is understood to have reviewed arrangements related to the movement, security and logistical support for the Russian delegation. The arrival of the military transport aircraft also underscored the increasing use of Noida airport for high-profile international aviation movements even as its scheduled international passenger operations are yet to begin.
The development is significant for the Jewar airport, which began commercial passenger operations on June 15 this year. The airport operator had announced that scheduled commercial operations would provide a new gateway for passengers, airlines and cargo operators in the NCR and north India.
Cargo operations also began shortly after the launch of passenger services, with the airport positioning itself as a major passenger and cargo hub for the region.
The airport's international terminal and associated facilities are being prepared for the commencement of international passenger flights. Before such operations begin, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) will assess the airport's security infrastructure, procedures and preparedness before granting the necessary clearances.
The Russian aircraft's arrival comes amid heightened aviation activity linked to the BRICS summit. Several special aircraft carrying heads of state, senior officials and delegations are expected to use airports in and around Delhi-NCR during the summit.
Putin's visit has added particular significance to the arrangements. India and Russia continue to maintain close strategic ties spanning defence, energy, trade and other sectors. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin have also held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation ahead of the summit.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.