Bangalore Airshow: IAF Pauses Metro Work From Feb 5-15 In Yelahanka Ahead Of Aero India 2025

Four days before the commencement of Aero India 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has requested a temporary halt to Bengaluru Metro construction near Yelahanka Air Force Station. The airshow, scheduled from February 10 to 14, will take place at the IAF's Yelahanka base.

IAF Requests Halt in Bengaluru Metro Construction

The Indian Air Force has requested Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) to pause construction work for eleven days on the Airport Line near Yelahanka from February 5 to 15. This action will help provide for additional parking space needed for the Bangalore airshow. Complying with that directive, the construction work has been stopped and will resume post the Aero India event that is 16 February, as per reports.

Bengaluru Airport Metro's Line Paused for Aero India 2025

Work on the Bangalore Metro Airport Line, from KR Pura to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) with 17 stations, which is a 37 km-long route, has been temporarily halted near Yelahanka due to preparations for Aero India 2025.

One of the latest reports on the metro construction highlighted that the final 15 km stretch of this project, running from Yelahanka to Terminal 2, passes through the Indian Air Force (IAF) campus, leading to a 1 km construction pause for the airshow. Most of the metro line is being built on elevated tracks, but 750 meters near the IAF campus will go underground to avoid disrupting flight operations. To construct this underground section, BMRCL is using a method where they excavate the ground, build the tunnel, and then refill it once completed. Metro work is expected to resume after the event.

Aero India 2025: Dress Rehearsals Take Off at Yelahanka Air Force Station

Meanwhile, preparations for Aero India 2025 are in full swing as the final dress rehearsal commenced on February 6th at Yelahanka Air Force Station, which was witnessed by thousands of spectators eagerly awaiting the upcoming airshow. The Indian Air Force (IAF), Coast Guard, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) took to the air in a spectacular display.

According to The Hindu, the rehearsal featured an Mi-17 helicopter carrying the national flag, the IAF flag, and the Aero India flag, setting the stage for the grand event. The audience was treated to an impressive flypast, showcasing the Sukhoi-30 MKI, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Jaguars, NETRA Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS), AN-32, and Dornier aircraft. However, the Rafale fighter jets were missing from the rehearsal lineup.