Noida Airport has entered the international spotlight after three Russian military aircraft landed at the facility ahead of the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The arrival represents the first reported landing of foreign aircraft at the newly operational airport and comes just days before Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India.
The three aircraft touched down at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Among them was a Russian IL-76 military transport aircraft. Reports said that Russian military officials and an advance team were aboard the aircraft. Their arrival is understood to be part of preparations surrounding Putin’s visit and the BRICS Summit.
The development is particularly significant because Noida Airport is still a new facility. Its use by foreign military aircraft provides an important demonstration of the airport’s operational capabilities at a time when India is preparing to receive senior international leaders.
The aircraft remained parked at the airport through Wednesday. Indian security officials and Russian teams were involved in monitoring the aircraft and managing security arrangements.
The movement is taking place against the backdrop of the 18th BRICS Summit, which will be hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. The summit is expected to bring together leaders and senior representatives from several countries, creating extensive logistical requirements across Delhi and the National Capital Region.
For Russia, the advance deployment reflects the importance of Putin’s upcoming visit. Advance teams typically arrive before high-level delegations to coordinate arrangements related to security, transportation and official movements.
The use of Noida Airport also highlights how aviation infrastructure across the National Capital Region can support major international events. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has traditionally handled foreign military aircraft visiting India. The Russian aircraft landing at Noida therefore represents a notable expansion in the role of NCR’s aviation network.
The development also comes as India and Russia prepare for important bilateral discussions. Defence cooperation is expected to remain an important area of conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Putin. Issues reported as potential areas of discussion include the remaining S-400 deliveries, possible cooperation involving Russia’s Su-57 fighter aircraft and further development of the BrahMos missile partnership.
Beyond bilateral relations, the BRICS Summit will provide an important platform for discussions on international politics, economics, trade and cooperation among member countries.
The presence of Russian military aircraft at Noida Airport therefore has both practical and symbolic importance. Practically, it supports the advance preparations for a major international delegation. Symbolically, it puts the new airport in a global diplomatic context.
With the summit approaching rapidly, security and logistical preparations are expected to remain intense across Delhi and the wider NCR. Noida Airport’s first foreign military aircraft landing has already become an important part of that preparation.
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