Suryakiran Aerobatic Team Paints Hyderabad Skies with Tricolour at Wings India 2026
Hyderabad, January 29, 2026:
The skies over Begumpet Airport came alive with breathtaking aerobatics as the Indian Air Force’s iconic Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) delivered a spellbinding aerial performance during the opening days of Wings India 2026, Asia’s largest civil aviation exhibition.
The four-day mega event, being held from January 28 to 31, 2026, is jointly organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and FICCI. The aviation extravaganza was inaugurated by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu, marking a grand beginning highlighted by dazzling air displays.
Flying their signature Hawk Mk-132 advanced jet trainer aircraft, the nine-aircraft Suryakiran formation executed a series of flawless manoeuvres, including loops, rolls, arrows, heart shapes, bomb bursts, and inverted flying. The jets trailed saffron, white, and green smoke, spectacularly painting the Indian Tricolour across the Hyderabad sky and evoking thunderous applause from spectators.
What set the performance apart was the sheer precision and discipline displayed by the pilots, who flew in extremely tight formations with aircraft separated by as little as five metres. The display stood as a powerful demonstration of teamwork, skill, and the operational excellence of the Indian Air Force. Fondly referred to as the “Ambassadors of the IAF,” the Suryakirans showcased not just aerobatic mastery but also national pride.
Pilots, including Flight Lieutenant Kanwal Sandhu and Squadron Leader Sanjesh Singh, highlighted the critical role of experience, coordination, and split-second precision in executing such complex manoeuvres. With their home base at Bidar Air Force Station, the team was able to operate seamlessly over Hyderabad during the event.
Adding an international dimension to Wings India 2026, the Mark Jefferies Global Stars Aerobatic Team from the United Kingdom enthralled audiences with high-energy stunts and dynamic manoeuvres, further elevating the excitement at the venue.
As per the event schedule, Suryakiran Aerobatic Team performances are held daily from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM, followed by the Global Stars displays from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM, with additional evening slots and drone shows on select days.
Beyond aerial displays, Wings India 2026 features an impressive lineup of attractions, including static displays of 34 aircraft, international exhibitions, high-level conferences, CEO roundtables, B2B meetings, an aviation job fair, and prestigious industry awards. While the first two days (January 28 and 29) were reserved for industry professionals, the event opens to the general public on January 30 and 31, offering aviation enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness world-class performances up close.
Established in 1996 and based at Bidar, the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team has performed over 700 displays across India and abroad, inspiring generations of youth and showcasing India’s growing aviation capabilities.
Wings India 2026 stands as a testament to India’s expanding role in global civil aviation, highlighting advancements in innovation, sustainability, and aerospace manufacturing. The sky-high performances at Begumpet not only celebrate the nation’s rich aviation heritage but also reflect its soaring ambitions for the future.
Aviation enthusiasts and the general public are encouraged to attend the final public days for an unforgettable experience under Hyderabad’s vibrant skies. ✈️🇮🇳
