Palam, Noida airports tapped for VIP planes as special aircraft arrive for BRICS Summit | India News

With around 35 special aircraft, including VVIP flights and charter planes carrying delegations, expected to arrive in Delhi for the BRICS summit over the weekend, authorities are working on a multi-airport plan to handle the unprecedented air traffic, people close to the development said.“The summit is expected to see participations from around 12 heads of state,” one official aware of the development said.Special flights begin arriving ahead of summitThe first wave of special aircraft began arriving on September 4, officials said, adding that the delegations began arriving over the weekend. “Special flights have already begun arriving and two Russian IL-76 aircraft landed in Delhi.” VVIP movements are to commence from September 9, however September 11 is expected to be the busiest, with delegations and heads of state from South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Russia, Philippines, Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, Thailand and Nigeria are expected to arrive in the national capital, officials said.Heads of states from Kazakhstan, Vietnam and China are expected on September 12.Also read: Russia optimistic BRICS will bridge Iran-UAE gap at India-hosted summitMultiple agencies coordinate summit air trafficMultiple agencies involved in the exercise include the Indian Air Force (IAF), external affairs ministry (MEA), home ministry (MHA), the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Airports Authority of India (AAI), Delhi airport operator- DIAL, Noida International Airport Ltd (NIAL), Jaipur International Airport Ltd (JIAL), Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) (mostly for the pre-BRICS event), the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), Customs and Delhi Police.Several airports in and around Delhi have been identified to park or divert aircraft, according to people familiar with the arrangements, while a second official said that ample parking bays had already been reserved.“At Air Force station Palam, up to 12 parking slots have been reserved, 12 bays at Delhi (six each for wide-body and six narrow-body planes) and 12 bays in Noida airport have been reserved for all the parking. Around 10 bays are also available for BRICS related aircraft parking in Hindon,” the official said.He also said that the government was prepared for additional air traffic. “Jaipur airport has also identified parking bays. Lucknow airport is also on standby.” he said.“Dedicated immigration counters will be provided for both arrivals and departures, while ceremonial lounges and other facilities will be used for VVIP movements,” a Delhi airport official said.The preparations also extend beyond airport operations, officials said.“The local police of both Delhi and Uttar Pradesh have also been roped in. They will be coordinating security measures from the city side of the airport.”