Bhubaneswar: A day before Suryakiran air show by Indian Air Force (IAF), a full dress rehearsal was conducted as nine HAWK aircraft buzzed over Bhubaneswar airspace on Thursday.
The nine-Hawk Suryakiran aerobatic team Of IAF will roar into the skies over the Kuakhai river in Jaripatna, Balijatra Ground, on Friday, flying in formation, flying inverted, diving and climbing in an aerial ballet, beginning 9.30 am-10 am on Friday. The show will continue for about 20 minutes.
Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik are likely to attend the event as chief guests.
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) director Pravat Ranjan Beuria told Odisha Bytes that no flights will be suspended during that duration. “We have made all the arrangements and will try our best to manage the air traffic. Our efforts will solely be towards the smooth operation of commercial flights,” he added.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made by the Twin City Commissionerate Police as around 1200 people are expected to witness the air show. A 20-platoon police force, including more than 100 senior cops, will be deployed at the Balijatra ground, Police Commissioner S K Priyadarshi told the media.
Air Marshal DK Patnaik, Chief of Eastern Air Command, will also attend the air shows. He has been playing a key role in organizing both the air shows in the state.
The aerobatic team will also perform over Raj Bhawan in Puri on September 18.