When Defence Minister Rajnath Singh described Aero India 2025 as the “Maha Kumbh of collaboration” during its inauguration, he might not have anticipated how fitting the analogy is, in terms of the traffic congestion caused. Much like the massive traffic jams caused by the Kumbh Mela, the biennial Aero India airshow, held at Air Force Station Yelahanka (AFSY), has now grown big enough to bring Bengaluru to a standstill. The 2025 edition caused the worst congestion yet! Is it time to move it out of Bangalore? Let’s discuss this in detail…
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Bigger Event, Bigger Traffic Jams
Organisers proudly claim that Aero India is getting “bigger and better” with each edition. While the “bigger” part is undeniable, the “better” aspect is up for debate. The increasing scale of the event has directly contributed to severe traffic gridlocks, particularly along the Bellary Road, a critical arterial route connecting Bengaluru to the Kempegowda International Airport, which also happens to be the third busiest airport in the country.
For thousands of daily commuters, Aero India has become synonymous with long, frustrating travel delays. What should be a symbol of India’s aerospace prowess instead exposes the city’s infrastructure weaknesses, leaving a lasting impression on potential foreign and domestic investors.
The cascading effects of these traffic snarls impact residents, businesses, and even emergency services. Bengaluru’s rapid expansion has made it increasingly clear that the city can no longer support large-scale events like Aero India without significant disruptions.
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Poor Traffic and Event Management
Beyond the chaotic road conditions, Aero India’s growing crowd is also affecting the quality of the event itself. The defence sector welcomes increased public interest, seeing it as an opportunity to raise awareness about military aviation. However, the sheer number of visitors, combined with inefficient crowd control and traffic management, has led to a sizeable compromise in the overall experience.
For aviation enthusiasts and the general public, Aero India is becoming a repetitive affair—the same aircraft, the same routines, and the same organizational challenges. This year, the arrival of the Su-57 added some excitement to it, but that alone is not enough to sustain the reputation of India’s premier airshow. If Bengaluru is to continue hosting the event, better planning and infrastructure improvements are essential.
Can Yelahanka Accommodate a Bigger Airshow?
Unlike other international airshows, such as those in Paris and Singapore, Bengaluru’s Aero India faces severe space constraints. AFSY is surrounded by residential areas, railway tracks, and a national highway, leaving little room for expansion. The base belongs to the Indian Air Force and is primarily used to train transport aircraft pilots and navigators. This limits the scope for major infrastructure upgrades.
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With each passing edition, it is becoming evident that the venue is no longer suitable for a growing international event like Aero India. The congestion, logistical limitations, and infrastructure shortcomings make it increasingly difficult to host an airshow of this scale.
Time to Move Out Of Bengaluru?
Given the logistical challenges, the defence ministry must consider relocating Aero India to a more suitable venue. This does not mean moving too far away from Bengaluru, as the city remains a crucial aerospace hub, home to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) centres, and the Aerospace Park in Devanahalli.
However, an alternative location—outside the city but within reasonable proximity—could be developed exclusively for Aero India. A new, dedicated site would allow for better infrastructure, improved traffic flow, and enhanced facilities, making the event more efficient, enjoyable, and globally competitive.
