September 10, 2026, New Delhi: The newly operational Noida International Airport witnessed its first landing by foreign aircraft after three Russian military aircraft arrived at the airport ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s expected India visit for the 18th BRICS Summit. The aircraft, including a Russian IL-76 military transport plane, landed at around 5:30 am on September 8. The arrival of the Russian aircraft has been linked to preparations for Putin’s visit and the upcoming BRICS Summit, which will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Key Highlights Three Russian military aircraft landed at Noida Airport. The aircraft included a Russian IL-76 military transport plane. The landing marked the first foreign aircraft arrival at the new airport. A Russian advance team and military officials reportedly arrived with the aircraft. The planes remained parked at the airport as preparations continued. The development comes ahead of Putin’s expected India visit for the BRICS Summit. Russian Military Aircraft Land at Noida Airport Three Russian military aircraft landed at the Noida International Airport early Tuesday morning, marking a significant first for the newly operational airport. The aircraft arrived at around 5:30 am, with the Russian IL-76 among them. A Russian advance team and military officials were reportedly on board. The landing is particularly significant because foreign military aircraft visiting India have traditionally used Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The arrival of the Russian aircraft at Noida Airport represents an important operational milestone for the new facility. Russian Aircraft Remain Parked at Airport The three Russian aircraft remained parked at the airport on Wednesday. Indian security personnel and Russian teams were involved in monitoring the aircraft and associated security arrangements. The presence of the aircraft comes amid heightened preparations for the high-profile BRICS gathering in New Delhi. Security arrangements have been tightened across Delhi and locations associated with visiting heads of state. Is It Linked to Putin's India Visit? The arrival of the Russian military aircraft is being linked to preparations for Vladimir Putin's India visit and the BRICS Summit. Putin is expected to attend the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, where he is also expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Russian aircraft are believed to be part of advance logistical and security preparations surrounding the visit. However, the landing of these aircraft by itself does not confirm that Putin's primary aircraft will land at Noida Airport. BRICS Summit 2026 in New Delhi The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi on September 12 and 13. Several heads of state and government are expected to attend the summit. With the arrival of high-profile foreign leaders, authorities have established extensive security arrangements across the capital, including controlled routes, additional personnel and enhanced surveillance. The summit is expected to focus on global governance, multilateralism and cooperation among BRICS members and partner countries. Why Noida Airport Is Important The first foreign aircraft landing gives Noida International Airport an early test during one of India's biggest diplomatic events of the year. The airport's location in the Delhi-NCR region also provides another aviation facility that can support the movement of aircraft and delegations during a period of increased international traffic. The development comes as Delhi's IGI Airport has also expanded its international handling capacity ahead of the BRICS Summit. Latest Update Three Russian military aircraft, including an IL-76, have landed at Noida International Airport for the first time, carrying a Russian advance team and military officials. Their arrival comes days before the BRICS Summit 2026 and Putin's expected India visit. The aircraft remained parked at the airport as Indian and Russian security teams continued preparations. The landing marks a notable milestone for Noida Airport and highlights the extensive logistical arrangements underway ahead of the summit.
