The newly operational Noida Airport has received an early high-profile assignment after three Russian military aircraft landed at the facility ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. The arrival represents the airport’s first reported landing by foreign aircraft.
The aircraft touched down at around 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Among them was an IL-76 military transport plane. Russian military officials and an advance team were reportedly travelling aboard the aircraft as preparations continued for President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India.
The timing of the arrival is significant because the BRICS Summit is only days away. The 18th summit is scheduled for September 12 and 13 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.
The summit is expected to attract heads of state and government officials from several countries. Hosting such a gathering requires extensive planning, particularly in areas such as airport operations, security, transportation and communications.
Noida Airport’s involvement adds another dimension to the logistical network supporting the event. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has historically handled foreign military aircraft arriving for major diplomatic visits. The Russian aircraft landing at Noida shows that the new airport can now support such movements as well.
The aircraft remained parked at the airport through Wednesday. Security officials from the airport and Russian personnel were reported to be monitoring the aircraft and managing related security arrangements.
The event also highlights the importance of advance teams during presidential visits. Such teams arrive before the main delegation to coordinate operational details and ensure that necessary arrangements are ready.
Putin’s expected participation in the summit makes Russia one of the most closely watched delegations. India and Russia have maintained a long-standing strategic relationship, with defence cooperation playing a central role.
Potential areas for discussion during Putin’s visit reportedly include S-400 air-defence system deliveries, possible cooperation on the Russian Su-57 fighter aircraft and the next stage of the BrahMos missile programme.
The broader BRICS gathering will also be important for India’s diplomatic engagement with major emerging economies. The summit provides an opportunity for member countries and participating leaders to discuss economic cooperation and wider global issues.
Against this background, the arrival of the Russian military aircraft is both a practical and symbolic development.
For Noida Airport, it is an especially important moment. A newly operational facility being used for foreign military aircraft connected with a presidential visit gives it immediate international visibility.
The aircraft landing does not by itself indicate any new agreement between India and Russia. Rather, it demonstrates that preparations for the Russian delegation are underway and that Noida Airport is being integrated into the larger security and logistical arrangements surrounding the summit.
With BRICS leaders expected in New Delhi shortly, the airport’s role is likely to attract further attention in the coming days.
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