Varanasi Air Show 2026: Wings Over Ganges at Namo Ghat
The IAF's first air show over the Ganga at Namo Ghat, 22, 24 and 25 October 2026: what flies, where to watch, and the road, boat and drone rules.
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For the first time, the Indian Air Force is staging a full aerial display in Varanasi, over the Ganga in front of Namo Ghat, on 22, 24 and 25 October 2026. Fighters, transport aircraft and two aerobatic teams will fly. The show, called Wings Over Ganges, marks the Air Force's 94th anniversary, and it is open to the public from viewing areas along the river.
At a glance
Dates and timings
Central Air Command, the Air Force command headquartered at Bamrauli in Prayagraj, is organising the display. Its announcements, and the Air Force's posts on X from 16 October, give three display days. Earlier reports in September and early October mentioned 22, 23 and 25 October, and then 24 to 26 October; the Air Force's own dates are the ones below.
| Day | What happens |
|---|---|
| Tue 20 and Wed 21 October | Rehearsal flying is reported over the river. Boats and the Rajghat (Malviya) bridge may be stopped while aircraft are in the air. |
| Thu 22 October | Opening display. |
| Sat 24 October | Second display. The Suryakiran team is reported to fly its nine-jet routine this day. |
| Sun 25 October | Closing and main display. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh are expected to watch from Namo Ghat; the Sarang helicopter team is reported to perform. |
Time of day: reports from the planning meetings put the flying around midday, roughly 12 noon to 2 pm, with each display lasting about 90 minutes. The Air Force has said exact timings and viewing points will be announced closer to the day, so check its official accounts the evening before.
What will fly
Suryakiran Aerobatic Team
The Air Force's jet display team, formed in 1996, flies nine HAL-built Hawk Mk 132 trainers. Expect loops, barrel rolls, inverted flight and the "DNA" manoeuvre, with saffron, white and green smoke painting a tricolour across the sky. The team has flown more than 850 displays in India and abroad, and five of its officers are from Uttar Pradesh.
Sarang Helicopter Display Team
Formed in 2003, Sarang flies five indigenous ALH Dhruv helicopters in tight, close formations. Helicopters fly lower and slower than jets, so this is the part of the show best seen from the riverbank.
Fighters
The Rafale and the Su-30MKI, the Air Force's frontline fighters, and the indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft are listed for the flypast.
Helicopters and transport aircraft
The LCH Prachand attack helicopter, and the big transports and tankers: IL-76, IL-78, C-295 and AN-32. Aircraft from the Navy and the Army are also scheduled to join.
The flying runs over the Ganga from Namo Ghat southward, towards Assi Ghat. Several aircraft perform at once, so the sky stays busy throughout.
Where to watch
Namo Ghat itself is not open to the public. The Air Force took it over as the display's control centre on 16 October, and it stays closed to visitors and residents until 26 October; it holds the VIP stand. The public watches from designated areas instead.
Varuna riverbank blocks
Ten spectator blocks are being set up along the Varuna, from Sarai Mohan Ghat to Khaki Kuti Baba Mandir Ghat, about 2 km from Namo Ghat. Each enclosure will have women police officers.
Domri, across the Ganga
The open sand bank at Domri, on the far bank, is being prepared as a large viewing area with a clear view of the river. Domri and Kodopur ghats were inspected by the police for crowds.
The ghats and rooftops
Aircraft over the river can be seen from many riverside ghats and rooftops too. Police will patrol rooftops; stay on safe, railed roofs and follow instructions.
Official updates
Central Air Command posts updates on X (@CAC_CPRO), as does the Indian Air Force. Check there for final timings, viewing points and any live coverage.
Getting there, parking and road changes
The police expect a crowd of up to 30 lakh people on both banks, so plan as you would for Dev Deepawali.
- Parking: parking is being arranged by zone, next to the viewing areas. Visitors from other districts are being directed to parking on the Ramnagar–Padav side.
- Traffic: the police have four separate traffic plans with diversions and barriers for city and outside traffic on show days. Leave the car early, and expect to walk the last stretch.
- Boats and bridge: boats on the Ganga will be stopped during the displays and rehearsals, and the Rajghat bridge may close while aircraft fly. Don't plan a boat ride or a river crossing for the middle of the day.
- Emergencies: three green corridors keep ambulance routes open to BHU Trauma Centre, Sir Sunderlal Hospital, SSPG (Shiv Prasad Gupta) Hospital and Pt. Deendayal Upadhyay Hospital. There are 79 temporary police posts: 48 in the city and 31 on the ghats.
Rules in force
- No drones. The district administration has banned drone flights around the show.
- Meat shops shut, 19–26 October. The Municipal Corporation has closed meat cutting and sale within 20–30 km of the venue to keep birds away; a bird strike is the biggest risk at a low-level display. Stray animals are being kept off the ghats.
- Namo Ghat closed, 16–26 October. All three entrances are shut to the public.
Before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Varanasi air show?
On Thursday 22, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October 2026, around midday. Sunday the 25th is the closing and main display. Rehearsals are reported on 20 and 21 October.
Is there a ticket or entry pass?
No ticket has been announced. The display is open to the public from the designated viewing areas; only Namo Ghat itself, the VIP and control area, is closed.
Can I watch from Namo Ghat?
No. Namo Ghat is closed to the public from 16 to 26 October. Use the Varuna riverbank blocks, the Domri sand bank across the Ganga, or other riverside spots.
Which aircraft are flying?
The Suryakiran team's nine Hawk jets, the Sarang team's five Dhruv helicopters, the Rafale, Su-30MKI and Tejas fighters, the LCH Prachand helicopter, and IL-76, IL-78, C-295 and AN-32 transport aircraft, with Navy and Army aircraft too.
Will boats run on the Ganga during the show?
No. Boat services are being stopped while aircraft fly, on show days and during rehearsals.
Can I fly a drone to film it?
No. Drones are banned around the show by the district administration.
