Three Russian military aircraft landed at the newly operational Noida International Airport in Jewar on Tuesday morning, marking the facility’s first landing by foreign aircraft as India stepped up preparations for the upcoming BRICS Summit and Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit.

The aircraft arrived at around 5:30 am, with a Russian IL-76 military transport aircraft among them. A Russian advance team and military personnel were also reported to have arrived as part of preparations linked to the high-profile diplomatic engagements in the Delhi-NCR region. 

The arrival gives the new airport an important role in handling international movements around one of India’s biggest diplomatic events of the year.

Russian Aircraft Arrive Ahead of Putin Visit

The three aircraft have been linked to arrangements for Putin’s upcoming India visit and the 18th BRICS Summit, scheduled in New Delhi on September 12 and 13.

Russian and Indian security personnel were involved in overseeing arrangements around the aircraft after their arrival. Reports said the planes remained parked at the airport through Wednesday. (India Today)

The movement is significant because foreign military aircraft visiting India have traditionally operated through Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The use of Noida Airport for the Russian aircraft provides an early indication of how the new facility could support high-level international movements.

Noida Airport Handles First Foreign Aircraft

The Russian aircraft landing is the first reported foreign aircraft arrival at the new airport.

The development comes soon after the facility began its operational phase and puts the Jewar airport in the spotlight even before its role in regular international aviation expands.

The arrival of military transport aircraft also provides an early operational test of the airport’s ability to handle special flights associated with VIP movements, security requirements and international protocol. 

Why Noida Airport Matters for BRICS Preparations

The Delhi-NCR region is preparing to receive several foreign leaders and delegations for the BRICS summit. Authorities are using multiple airports and special-flight arrangements to manage the expected movement of high-profile aircraft.

The Russian aircraft movement therefore comes at a time when airport and security agencies are preparing for increased diplomatic traffic ahead of the summit.

The BRICS summit itself will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, with several heads of state and government expected to participate. Putin is scheduled to attend the summit. (India Today)

IL-76 Among the Russian Aircraft

One of the aircraft identified in the movement is Russia’s IL-76, a heavy military transport aircraft designed to carry personnel, cargo and equipment.

Its presence is particularly relevant to advance preparations because military transport aircraft can be used to move personnel and logistical equipment ahead of senior leaders and official delegations.

Reports have also identified the arriving personnel as part of a Russian advance team, although details of the exact operational arrangements have not been publicly disclosed. 

Airport Becomes Part of High-Level Diplomatic Logistics

The Russian aircraft landing highlights the expanding role of Noida International Airport in the Delhi-NCR aviation network.

For the newly operational facility, handling the first foreign military aircraft ahead of a major international summit represents a significant operational milestone.

At the same time, the aircraft's presence should be viewed primarily in the context of official logistical and security preparations. There is no confirmed indication that the landing itself represents a separate defence agreement or new military arrangement between India and Russia.

With the BRICS summit only days away, attention will now remain on the movement of foreign delegations and special aircraft into the national capital region.