A group of 15 German pilots missed out on attending the opening ceremony of Aero India 2025 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station on Monday, February 10, as they were stuck in Bengaluru traffic. The pilots were staying 17 km away from the venue and got stuck in the traffic for nearly three hours. The 15th edition of Aero India, touted to be "Asia’s biggest aerospace and defence exhibition," commenced on February 10 and will conclude on February 12.
Traffic restrictions were imposed by the Bengaluru police ahead of the Aero Show, which resulted in heavy traffic snarls. According to reports, the pilots took a private cab at around 8 am and reached the venue only after 11 am. The opening ceremony had already concluded by then.
Deccan Herald reported that special arrangements were in place to facilitate the movement of foreign delegates, including a designated lane to avoid traffic. However, the German pilots did not know of this and took the regular route.
The event is expected to be the biggest-ever Aero India to date. It is spread over an area of 42,000 sq m and has the confirmed participation of over 900 exhibitors, including 150 foreign companies.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had termed Aero India a significant driver of economic strength, contributing to the overall growth and development of the economy. He expressed confidence that Aero India will be remembered as a historic milestone in India’s journey towards becoming a global leader in the aerospace and defence sector.