India is hosting the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. The summit brings together Heads of State from all ten BRICS member nations under the chairship theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” and is one of the most significant multilateral events on the global diplomatic calendar this year.
For international aviation operators, this means a concentrated influx of state and non-scheduled aircraft into Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport within a very narrow window. Understanding what the Indian aviation regulatory environment requires for this kind of operation, and what additional demands a summit of this scale places on airport infrastructure, is essential for any operator planning a movement into New Delhi around this period.
The Regulatory Framework for International Operators
India requires all non-scheduled foreign-registered aircraft to hold a valid landing permit before operating into any Indian airport. This requirement applies regardless of the type of operation, whether it is a commercial charter, a diplomatic mission, a private jet, or a cargo flight. The permit is issued by the DGCA and requires complete flight details, crew details, passenger details, and a standard set of aircraft documents including the Certificate of Airworthiness, Certificate of Registration, Noise Certificate, Insurance Certificate and Air Operator Certificate where applicable.
For most countries of origin, the standard processing time is 3 working days. For flights originating from China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, or Nigeria, the timeline extends to 7 working days. Given that China is BRICS member nations whose delegations will be traveling to New Delhi for the summit, operators handling these movements must plan their permit applications around the 7-working-day requirement.
Permits are valid within a window of plus 48 hours from the Estimated Time of Departure stated in the application. Any change to the origin or destination airport requires a formal revision from the regulatory authority.
Slot and Parking Considerations Specific to the Summit Period
Delhi airport manages general aviation slots separately from commercial airline operations, and the available window for non-scheduled aircraft narrows during periods of intensive diplomatic activity. Major international summits in New Delhi have historically resulted in adjusted slot management around the event period, with priority given to official state aircraft movements.
Parking at VIDP operates on a first-come, first-served basis. During the BRICS Summit period, the general aviation apron will be under greater-than-normal demand. Operators who have not confirmed a parking stand well before the event may find that available stands are distant from preferred locations, or that extended stay options are limited. Parking confirmation should be obtained from the handling agent as early as operationally possible, with the planned duration of stay clearly stated.
For operators whose principals require direct tarmac access between the aircraft and ground transportation, this needs to be confirmed as part of the parking arrangement rather than assumed.
Security Requirements During a Summit Period
India deploys enhanced security measures around major international summits, including increased coordination between civil aviation authorities, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, and the Ministry of Home Affairs. For all international aircraft operating into Delhi during this period, expect increased scrutiny of documentation, passenger manifests, and crew details at the point of entry.
Passengers and crew members are subject to personal frisking and hand baggage X-ray screening before entering the sterile pre-boarding area. E-cigarettes and satellite phones are prohibited in India and should not be brought on board by any passenger or crew member. For delegations traveling with personal security personnel who carry firearms, prior coordination with Indian customs and the Ministry of Home Affairs through the correct diplomatic channel is required well in advance of arrival.
Medevac and humanitarian flights during the summit period are processed on a priority basis, but all other non-scheduled movements follow the standard permit and slot process without summit-specific expediting.
What International Operators Often Overlook
One of the most consistently overlooked planning points for summit-adjacent operations is the impact on neighboring airports. If Delhi’s general aviation apron reaches capacity during the peak arrival period around September 12, operators may be directed to an alternate airport or offered a stand at a greater distance from the terminal than expected. Knowing in advance which alternate airports serve Delhi effectively, and confirming their parking and ground handling capacity as a contingency, is practical preparation that takes little time but eliminates a major operational variable.
The 30 day aircraft stay limitation for foreign-registered aircraft in India is another point that matters for delegations planning an extended presence around the summit. Foreign aircraft may remain in India for a maximum of 30 consecutive days. Delegations whose operational calendar around the summit extends beyond that window need to plan a departure and return on a new landing permit or a special approval needs to be obtained from the Ministry for extension of stay.
How VVIP Flight Supports International Operators at BRICS 2026
At VVIP Flight, we manage the full ground handling and trip support process for international operators flying into India, including landing and overflight permits, slot and parking coordination at Delhi, VIP lounge and tarmac access, immigration and customs support, ramp handling, and vehicle coordination. For the BRICS Summit period, we are available to begin planning any movement into New Delhi now, ensuring every element of the operation is in place well before the event.
For assistance with your aviation planning for BRICS Summit India 2026, please contact our operations team at ops@vvipflight.com or +91-8010686868.
Disclaimer: Kindly note that the information provided in the above article is subject to change without prior notice. We recommend contacting our operations team for the latest regulations, updates, and accurate information before planning your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Where is the BRICS Summit 2026 being held?
The 18th BRICS Summit is being held in New Delhi, India, on September 12 and 13, 2026. India holds the BRICS chairship in 2026 under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- Which country will host BRICS in 2026?
India is hosting BRICS in 2026. This is India’s fourth time chairing the group, having previously held the chairship in 2012, 2016, and 2021.
- What documents does a foreign aircraft need to operate into India for the BRICS Summit?
The aircraft requires a valid landing permit from the DGCA, along with the Certificate of Airworthiness, Certificate of Registration, Noise Certificate, and AOC where applicable, plus complete flight, crew, and passenger details.
- How does the summit period affect slot availability at Delhi Airport?
Available general aviation slots narrow during major international summit periods as the airport manages state aircraft sequencing and security windows alongside commercial operations. Early slot requests are strongly recommended.
- What is the BRICS 2026 logo and theme?
India’s BRICS 2026 logo features the lotus, India’s national flower, with petals in the colors of all member nations representing unity and diversity. The theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation
