Dasara Air Show: Bad weather spoils

Founded in 1996, the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team flies Hawk Mk 132 aircraft and recently introduced new formations. The team was scheduled to perform over the Bannimantap Grounds on October 18 and 19 as part of the Dasara celebrations. | Photo credit: MA SRIRAM

The Surya Kiran aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force (IAF) could not perform its full air show 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 the Dasara celebrations.

However, on Sunday, the demonstration team of nine aircraft was unable to disembark and had to return to the Yelahanka Air Station from where it had taken off.

“Due to prevailing weather conditions, the team was unable to perform its complete imaging profile,” the team said in a statement.

Team members in Bengaluru said the call was received by the air team’s commanding officer, Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi.

“There is some cloud base that we need. Since we are a team of nine aircraft, we cannot enter too close to the ground. There are also several obstacles around the Bannimantap Grounds, including Chamundi Hills, which is about 5 km from the ground. Due to prevailing weather conditions, we have decided to return to the base,” said Squadron Leader Tushar Sharma.

He added that the team is looking forward to performing its full acrobatics, including its signature maneuvers, loops, barrel rolls, backflips and the DNA maneuver, on October 19, weather permitting.

“There are certain synchronized maneuvers that we do where some members split up and two members cross each other less than five meters in front of each other at a speed of almost 1000 kmph. The audience will see the two planes making a heart in the air to show their love for the people of Mysore,” he added.

The team has also planned a special exhibition profile for this year’s Dasara festivities.

“Weather permitting, 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.

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

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

Published – 18 Oct 2026 20:45 IST