Wings India 2026 Flying Schedule Out, Surya Kiran Begins Rehearsals
Wings India, set for January 28-31, 2026, will showcase impressive flying displays and a spectacular drone show, highlighting innovation and skill in aviation.
Hyderabad: The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran aerobatic team heralded the three-day Wings India 2026 with rehearsal flights on Tuesday, signalling preparations for the flying display segment of the civil aviation event organised by the ministry of civil aviation in collaboration with FICCI. “The precision flying and synchronised formations of the Surya Kiran team highlight the Indian Air Force’s operational excellence and commitment to aviation safety and skill,” the team said in its official announcement.
India’s largest civil aviation event, to be inaugurated by a virtual address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. will see participation from senior global aviation leaders, including Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers, Etihad Airways Group CEO Antonoaldo Neves, and Embraer Commercial Aviation president and CEO Arjan Meijer.
Known as the Ambassadors of the Indian Air Force, Surya Kiran flies Hawk Mk-132 jets manufactured by HAL. Formed in 1996, it remains Asia’s only nine-aircraft aerobatic team, with more than 700 displays across India and overseas. The aircraft fly in close proximity, often within five metres, and recent indigenous modifications allow coloured smoke displays in saffron, white, and green. The team’s motto is “Sadaiva Sarvottam” (Always the Best).
Flying displays will take place across all four days of the event. On January 28, Surya Kiran will perform from 11 am to 11.30 am, followed by the Mark Jeffery aerobatic team from the United Kingdom at 12 pm, 4 pm, and 7.30 pm. A drone show is scheduled from 6.30 pm to 7 pm. On January 29–31, Surya Kiran will perform daily at 11 am, with the Mark Jeffery team staging two displays at 12 pm and 4 pm.
Public viewing will be permitted on January 30 and 31, with visitors also able to access a static display of 34 aircraft and helicopters forming part of the exhibition segment.
The conference agenda includes discussions led by airline chiefs, airport operators, and aviation bodies. Alongside Wilson, Elbers, Neves, and Meijer, the speaker list features Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri, Noida International Airport CEO Christoph Schnellmann, ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East director general Stefano Baronci, Airbus India and South Asia president Jürgen Westermeier, Boeing India and South Asia president Salil Gupte, Air India Express MD Aloke Singh, Indian Oil executive director Shailesh Dhar, and Boeing director Christine Bohl.
