Chandigarh saw an impressive aerial display on Friday as the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) performed an airshow over Sukhna Lake.
The team conducted several aerial manoeuvres and formations during the nearly half-hour show. Despite cloudy weather, a large number of spectators, including students, gathered to watch the performance.
The Hawk Mk-132 jets performed loops, barrel rolls, inverted flying and steep dives. Using coloured smoke trails, the pilots also created formations such as ‘DNA’ and ‘Y’ (Yuva), which drew loud applause from the crowd.
The aircraft took off from the Air Force Station in Chandigarh and flew directly above Sukhna Lake during the display, giving spectators a close view of the formations.
Among the highlights were complex aerial twists and sharp 90-degree turns that formed a clover shape in the sky, symbolising hope, faith and good luck. The show concluded with all nine aircraft flying together in a special ‘aerial salute’ formation.
The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is counted among the world’s elite aerobatic squads and has represented the Indian Air Force at several international air shows. Many students present at the venue said they were excited and inspired by the performance. An elderly spectator said the display truly reflected the team’s motto, “Sadaiva Sarvottam” (always the best).
Senior officials, including Chandigarh Chief Secretary H. Rajesh Prasad and Deputy Commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, attended the event.
Ahead of the airshow, members of the SKAT paid a courtesy visit to Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria at Punjab Lok Bhavan on Thursday. This marks the team’s second visit to Chandigarh in the last six months. In September 2025, the aerobatic team had performed during the ceremony marking the culmination of MiG-21 operational flying.
The airshow is being held over two days, and Sukhna Lake has been closed to the public from March 26 until the afternoon of March 28 for security arrangements.
Authorities arranged buses from seven designated locations for visitors. Entry was allowed only through passes purchased via the Chandigarh Tourism app at Rs 100 each, with attendance limited to 10,000 people per day.
Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur said on Thursday that more than 1,300 police personnel have been deployed for traffic regulation, security arrangements and crowd management during the event.
Also read: IAF’s Surya Kiran team dazzles Hamirpur residents
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