Dasara air show: Bad weather plays spoilsport

On October 18, the team could not perform for the Dasara crowd and had to return to the Air Force Station Yelahanka

Updated - October 19, 2026 10:15 am IST - Bengaluru

Established in 1996, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team flies the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft and recently, it has introduced new formations. The team was scheduled to perform over the Bannimantap Grounds on October 18 and 19 as part of Dasara festivities. | Photo Credit: M.A. SRIRAM

The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team could not showcase their full air display in Mysuru on Sunday due to adverse weather conditions.

The team is scheduled to perform over the Bannimantap Grounds on October 18 and 19 as part of Dasara festivities.

However, on Sunday the nine aircraft display team could not perform and had to return to the Air Force Station Yelahanka from where they had taken off.

“Due to prevailing weather conditions, the team could not undertake its complete display profile,” the team said in a statement.

The team members in Bengaluru said that the Commanding Officer of the air display team, Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, took the call.

“There is a certain cloud base which we need. Being a nine aircraft team, we cannot enter too close to the ground. Also there are few obstructions around the Bannimantap Grounds, including the Chamundi Hills, which is about 5 km from the ground. Due to the prevailing weather conditions we decided to return to the base,” said Squadron Leader Tushar Sharma.

He added that the team is looking forward to presenting its full aerobatic display, including its signature manoeuvres, loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and the DNA manoeuvre, on October 19, subject to favourable weather conditions.

“There are certain synchro maneuvers which we perform wherein some of the members will split and two members cross in front of each other with a distance of less than five meters at a speed of close to 1,000 kmph. The spectators will see two aircraft making a heart in the air to show their love towards the people of Mysuru,” he added.

For this year’s Dasara festivities, the team has also planned a special display profile.

“If weather permits, we have a flyby where we will try to depict the shape of the Mysuru palace in the air which is a special dedication to the people of Mysuru,” said Squadron Leader Sharma.

Established in 1996, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team flies the Hawk Mk 132 aircraft and recently, it has introduced new formations.

“We have tried new formations which are Tejas, Sukhoi and Rafale. They are dedicated to the new inventory of the IAF. Also, we have introduced new formations like Gagnayaan, Bramhos and Akash,” said Squadron Leader Lalith Verma.

Published - October 18, 2026 08:45 pm IST

Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.