Category: Business Aircraft Operations

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VVIP Flight at the ACFI World Conclave 2026, New Delhi

Posted on August 12, 2026by VVIP Flight

The 7th Edition of the Air Cargo Forum India World Conclave lands at one of the most iconic venues in the city, and VVIP Flight will be attending.

This year’s theme is ‘Reimagining Global Trade: India Pioneering Resilient Supply Chains.’ For an event that brings together airline executives, freight forwarders, cargo carriers, airport operators, logistics technology firms, and supply chain professionals under one roof, this theme accurately describes what is currently taking place on the ground in the Indian sub-continent.

What is the ACFI World Conclave 2026

ACFI, or Air Cargo Forum India, helps in the development of the leading Indian airports as gateways for air cargo operations. It facilitates trade facilitation in air cargo services and has worked tirelessly for several years to create a platform wherein the air cargo community, shippers, freight forwarders, airlines, and regulators, amongst others, meet to discuss matters relevant to their operations.

The 7th Edition of World Conclave shows just that. Previous editions have had names such as Cathay Cargo, FedEx, Etihad Cargo, Swissport, Adani Airports, and GMR Cargo as Conclave partners, in addition to a host of delegates from the commercial airlines, scheduled cargo services, cold chain operators, startups in logistics technology, and infrastructure providers.

The parallel roundtable discussions in 2026 are to be held on topics related to pharma, e-commerce, electronics, semiconductors, FMCG, perishables and telecom. Also part of the event are the ACFI Innovatopia Awards 2026, which will honour innovations in any of five areas, from customer experience to sustainability and digitalisation, for a cash reward of Rs 1,00,000 per category.

For registration or discussions, reach out to conclave@acfi.in

Why VVIP Flight Will Be There

First, GSA. VVIP Flight is looking to grow our General Sales Agent services for passenger and cargo airlines in India and South Asia. It should be said at an event such as this. Freight forwarders, cargo agents, airline commercial departments, and logistics firms make up a large part of the ACFI delegates, and the opportunity for a cargo GSA in India – one of the fastest growing air freight markets in the world – is one we would like to explore in person with experts in the field.

India’s air cargo market has been growing steadily. There has been a rise in cross-border e-commerce volumes. Pharmaceuticals are becoming a priority corridor, especially for cold chain distribution. Shipping electronics and semiconductors has grown along with manufacturing. The freight forwarding connections behind all of this are exactly what a cargo GSA needs to cultivate, and ACFI is where these connections are made.

Another reason is ground handling. For international air cargo operators and airlines interested in India as an option, the regulatory landscape and operations environment in India are unique. Obtaining landing permits, scheduling slots, dealing with airport authorities, liaising with customs and immigration, ground handling – there is a whole list of things that may look daunting for operators that never dealt with India. But for operators that have come to India once or twice, the advantage of having a ground handling partner who knows the DGCA, BCAS, AAI, and airport ground handling authorities well enough to spot potential trouble spots in advance will be a game-changer. This is the kind of conversation we would like to conduct during the conclave.

What We Offer

From India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, VVIP Flight manages:

  • Landing and overflight permits with documentation coordination and planning through all origin countries, including India’s restricted processing list.
  • Ground handling and ramp handling at major airports of the region, including FBO at VIDP, VABB, VAAH, VOCI, VOHS, and VOGA.
  • GSA services for passenger airlines, encompassing sales, travel trade and corporate development, agency management, BSP management, marketing, and regulatory affairs.
  • GSA services for cargo airlines, encompassing freight forwarder relationships, key account management, capacity management, charter cargo marketing, and specialist cargo such as pharmaceutical, perishable, hazardous, and project cargo.
  • VIP and diplomatic ground handling for Heads of State movements and VIP/private aircraft customers.
  • Trip support for charter airlines, business aviation flight departments, and cargo airlines.

A Note on the GSA Market Expansion

To select to announce this at ACFI World Conclave is a purposeful choice, not just timing convenience. The Indian market for cargo GSA services is poorly developed, compared to the potential. The capacity of foreign airlines to India is often unmatched by the commercial infrastructure required to actually utilize it effectively. Freight forwarder relationships are long-lasting and hard to establish and maintain. Key account management in India is possible only if you are there to do it.

This blend of commercial acumen and operations experience of aviation within six South Asian countries sets apart our GSA offer from any other sales house. It is the understanding of the entire ecosystem of the supply chain that enables us to be an airline’s commercial representative in an operations-based approach to the business.

The case with passenger airlines is not different. The knowledge of the Indian travel trade, the corporate accounts, the agencies, the BSP framework, and the regulatory framework surrounding airline sales needs an experienced local partner.

We will be at Taj Palace on August 12 and 13. In case you are attending the ACFI World Conclave 2026 and have something on GSA, ground handling, cargo, or aviation in South Asia, please do get in touch with us at ops@vvipflight.com prior to the event, and we will fix a time.

DISCLAIMER: Please take note that the above information may be subject to change without any further notice. It is advised to contact our operations team for the most recent regulations, updates, and information prior to your trip planning.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Why does VVIP Flight attend the ACFI World Conclave 2026? 

There are two reasons for that. First, VVIP Flight is developing its GSA services to passenger and cargo airlines in India and South Asia, and the ACFI delegate community, freight forwarders, cargo agents, and airline commercial division, is exactly the right place to discuss that. Ground handling services to India for international cargo and airline operators are another topic on the agenda.

  1. Which of the GSA services is offered by VVIP Flight to the cargo carriers? 

Freight forwarder relationship management, key account management, capacity optimization, charter cargo marketing, yield management assistance, and specialized cargo handling comprising pharma, perishables, hazardous cargo, and project cargo, in India and South Asia.

  1. Which of the GSA services is offered by VVIP Flight to the passenger airlines? 

Airline sales and development, sales to the travel trade and corporates, airline agencies management, BSP and travel agents’ assistance, route development and analysis, airline branding, and regulatory liaison in India.

  1. How can one get an appointment to meet with VVIP Flight at ACFI World Conclave 2026? 

Get in touch with our team at ops@vvipflight.com before the conclave. We shall arrange a meeting at a suitable time for you at Taj Palace, New Delhi.

CategoriesBusiness Aircraft OperationsGround Handling

VIP Ground Handling During BRICS Summit India 2026

Posted on August 12, 2026by VVIP Flight

The 18th BRICS Summit takes place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. As India chairs the grouping for the fourth time under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” the summit will bring together Heads of State and senior delegations from eleven member nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia as an observer. Partner country delegations and accompanying business and media contingents will add significantly to the total volume of international aircraft movements into Delhi around the event.

For aviation operators, embassies, and protocol teams managing delegation travel, the ground handling requirement for a summit of this scale is considerable. This article explains what VIP ground handling at a major diplomatic event involves and how VVIP Flight supports operations into New Delhi during the BRICS Summit period.

What VIP Ground Handling Means at a Summit Like BRICS

VIP ground handling for a diplomatic summit is not a scaled-up version of standard business aviation handling. It is a fundamentally different operational framework built around security, protocol, and precise timing, all of which are non-negotiable at a Head of State-level event.

At the BRICS Summit, every aircraft carrying a Head of State, a foreign minister, or a senior delegation member arrives into an operational environment where security agencies, protocol officers, airport authorities, and ground handlers are coordinating simultaneously. The ground handler’s role is to ensure that every element of the ground operation, from parking stand allocation and ramp access to lounge coordination and motorcade staging, is in place before the aircraft arrives, not managed on the day.

Ceremonial Lounge and Tarmac Access

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has a dedicated Ceremonial Lounge for VVIP and diplomatic movements, coordinated separately from the main commercial terminal. For Head of State aircraft, movements into and out of the Palam Air Force technical area involve a separate coordination chain that runs through defense authorities alongside civil aviation and protocol channels.

For BRICS Summit delegations, lounge access needs to be arranged well in advance with a verified passenger and support staff list. Direct tarmac access, allowing the delegation to move from the aircraft to the lounge or waiting motorcade without passing through any public terminal area, is a standard requirement for principal-level movements and must be coordinated with both the airport authority and the relevant security agencies before the aircraft departs its origin.

Permit Coordination for BRICS Delegation Flights

Every non-scheduled foreign aircraft operating into India requires a valid landing permit from the DGCA. Standard processing is 3 working days, extends to 7 working days for flights originating from the list of restricted countries such as China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Nigeria.

Beyond the standard permit, diplomatic and Head of State flights require clearance through the Ministry of External Affairs alongside the civil aviation permit process and, where applicable, defense coordination. This parallel clearance process has its own timeline, which does not compress simply because the event is significant. Delegations who have not initiated their coordination process at least one month before the planned arrival should do so immediately.

For aircraft transiting Indian airspace without landing, overflight permits are required. Standard overflight permits process in 1 working day, extends to 3 working days for restricted-origin countries.

Security Compliance During the Summit Period

India deploys enhanced security protocols around major diplomatic events. For the BRICS Summit, all passengers and crew arriving on international aircraft will be subject to standard Indian aviation security requirements, including personal frisking and hand baggage X-ray screening before entering the sterile pre-boarding area.

For delegations traveling with armed personal protection details, prior coordination with Indian customs and the Ministry of Home Affairs through the correct diplomatic channel is mandatory before arrival. E-cigarettes and satellite phones are prohibited in India and should not be carried by any passenger or crew member.

Motorcade and Ground Transportation Coordination

For principal-level movements, ground transportation is not arranged independently of the ramp operation. The motorcade staging, timing, and departure sequence from the airport to the summit venue needs to be aligned with the ramp schedule and the lounge timeline. A delegation that arrives at the aircraft door and finds the motorcade staging 20 minutes behind is experiencing a ground coordination failure, not a transportation problem.

At VVIP Flight, motorcade timing is coordinated as part of the integrated ground handling brief, not as a separate arrangement made by a different provider. This ensures that the vehicle movement and the aircraft movement run on the same timeline.

Slot and Parking Coordination During the Summit Period

Delhi airport manages general aviation slots separately from commercial operations. During the BRICS Summit period, available general aviation slots will be compressed as the airport sequences Head of State arrivals and departures across a narrow window. Operators who have not confirmed their arrival slots and parking stands well ahead of the event will face the realistic possibility of being assigned slots and stands significantly outside their preferred window.

Parking confirmation at VIDP operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Delegations planning extended stays in Delhi around the summit should confirm stand availability and planned duration with their ground handler at the earliest opportunity.

How VVIP Flight Provides VIP Ground Handling for BRICS 2026

At VVIP Flight, VIP ground handling for diplomatic and Head of State movements is managed as an integrated service. Our team coordinates the landing and overflight permit process, slot and parking confirmation, Ceremonial Lounge access, tarmac access, immigration and customs coordination, baggage handling, catering, and motorcade staging as a single operational plan with a single point of contact.

For delegations traveling to New Delhi for the BRICS Summit on September 12 and 13, we recommend beginning coordination now. Please contact our operations team at ops@vvipflight.com.

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)

  1. What is VIP ground handling at the BRICS Summit?

VIP ground handling at a diplomatic summit covers Ceremonial Lounge access, tarmac coordination, permit management, security compliance, baggage handling, and motorcade staging, all coordinated in advance as a single integrated operation.

  1. Do BRICS delegation flights need special permits to land in India?

Yes. All non-scheduled foreign aircraft require a DGCA landing permit. Flights from the list of restricted countries such as China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria and China require 7 working days for processing. Diplomatic and Head of State flights also require Ministry of External Affairs clearance alongside the standard permit.

  1. Is the BRICS Summit venue confirmed?

The 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit is scheduled in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. All major BRICS ministerial meetings in 2026 have been hosted at Bharat Mandapam. The official venue for the Leaders’ Summit has not been formally announced as of the time of writing.

  1. Can armed personal protection details travel to India with BRICS delegations?

Firearms carried by personal security personnel must be declared and cleared through the correct diplomatic channel and coordinated with Indian customs and the Ministry of Home Affairs before arrival.

  1. How far in advance should VIP ground handling for the BRICS Summit be arranged?

At least one month before the planned arrival date, and earlier for movements involving defense facilities or restricted-origin country permits. The permit and diplomatic clearance processes cannot be expedited after the fact.

CategoriesBespoke Charter ServiceBusiness Aircraft Operations

Meet VVIP Flight at Aviation Africa Summit 2026 for Flight Permits, Ground Handling and FBO Services

Posted on August 6, 2026by VVIP Flight

The Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2026 takes place on September 9 and 10 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. Now in its 10th edition, the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition is the continent’s leading gathering of airline chiefs, regulators, airport operators, ground handlers, MRO providers, lessors, and aviation service suppliers. The 2026 edition is hosted by the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kenya Airports Authority, and Kenya Airways, and is supported by the African Business Aviation Association and The African Drone Forum.

VVIP Flight will be present at Aviation Africa 2026. If your airline, charter operation, or flight department is planning operations into India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, or the Maldives, this is an opportunity to speak directly with our team about the ground handling, flight permits, and FBO services we provide across the region.

About the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2026

Aviation Africa 2026 Kenya is the 10th edition of a summit that has traveled across the continent, visiting Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and other major aviation markets, before arriving at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi. The 2026 edition expects more than 2,000 delegates and over 100 exhibitors, drawing senior aviation professionals and C-suite executives from global airlines and operators, including cargo and business aviation, charter, regulators, airports, lessors, OEMs, MROs, training organizations, finance and leasing firms, insurance, law firms, and aviation service providers from across the full supply chain.

Aviation Africa 2026 registration is available through the official organiser, Times Aerospace Events Ltd, via the Aviation Africa website at aviationafrica.aero

Delegates attending the summit can access the exhibitor list and floorplan through the same portal to plan their time across the two-day event. For enquiries about exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities, contact the organiser directly through the official channels listed on the Aviation Africa website.

Why Aviation Operators Flying Into South Asia Should Meet Us in Nairobi

Africa’s aviation market and South Asia’s aviation market share something important: both are growing faster than the global average, and both are markets where operational complexity, local knowledge, and established ground relationships make a material difference to how smoothly a flight actually operates.

For African airlines, charter operators, and cargo carriers planning routes into India or the broader South Asian region, the operational requirements are specific. Every non-scheduled foreign aircraft needs a DGCA landing permit before operating into India, with standard processing of 3 working days. Overflight permits for Indian airspace are required with 01 working day notice. Airport slots, parking, FBO access, and customs and immigration coordination all require advance arrangement through a ground handler who knows the local airport network.

We operate across all airports in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives, providing a single coordinated ground handling and trip support service for international operators, whether the operation is a routine charter, a cargo flight, a VVIP movement, a diplomatic mission, or an air ambulance.

What We Will Be Discussing at Aviation Africa 2026

At the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2026, our team will be available to discuss the following with airlines, operators, and aviation partners:

Landing and overflight permits for India and South Asia, including lead times, documentation requirements, and restricted-origin country processing.

Ground handling and FBO services across all airports in the six countries in our coverage network.

GSA services for passenger and cargo airlines looking to build or strengthen their commercial presence in South Asia.

VIP and diplomatic ground handling for Head of State and high-profile private aviation movements.

Trip support for charter operators, business aviation flight departments, and cargo carriers planning regular or one-off operations into the region.

The Operational Reality of Flying Into South Asia

For operators based in Africa who are less familiar with South Asian aviation regulatory requirements, a few operational realities are worth understanding before the first flight into the region.

India’s airspace and airports are not difficult to operate into, but they do require more pre-flight preparation than many other international markets. The landing permit must be obtained from the DGCA before the flight departs, and the documentation submitted with the application must be complete and accurate the first time. An incomplete submission does not generate a query and a partial approval. It is returned for resubmission, and the processing clock restarts. For operators originating for Landing from countries on India’s restricted-origin list, including China, North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and Nigeria, the timeline extends to 7 working days. Wherein for Overflying timeline extends to 03 working days.

Parking at major Indian airports operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and at airports like Mumbai, a 72-hour parking limitation applies for general aviation aircraft. Slot coordination at Delhi and Mumbai, both slot-coordinated airports, requires advance engagement with the airport authority through the ground handler. None of these are obstacles for a well-prepared operator with the right ground partner. They are simply the operational framework of a market that rewards preparation.

For cargo operators, India’s air freight market is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and the demand for specialist cargo handling, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and project cargo, is significant. VVIP Flight’s cargo coordination covers all major Indian cargo gateways and extends to Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

Meeting Us in Nairobi

If you are attending the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2026 at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi on September 9 and 10, we would welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss your South Asia operational requirements in detail.

To arrange a meeting in advance of the summit, please contact our team at ops@vvipflight.com, and we will confirm a time that works around your summit schedule.

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)

  1. Where is Aviation Africa Summit 2026? 

The Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition 2026 takes place at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi, Kenya, on September 9 and 10, 2026. It is the 10th edition of the event.

  1. How do I register for Aviation Africa 2026? 

Aviation Africa 2026 registration is available through the official organiser, Times Aerospace Events Ltd, via the official Aviation Africa website at aviationafrica.aero 

  1. Who attends the Aviation Africa Summit and Exhibition? 

The event expects 2,000+ delegates including senior executives from global airlines, cargo operators, business aviation, regulators, airports, lessors, OEMs, MROs, training organizations, finance and law firms, and aviation service providers.

  1. What services does VVIP Flight provide for operators flying into South Asia? 

VVIP Flight provides landing and overflight permits, ground handling, FBO coordination, slot and parking management, VIP and diplomatic handling, GSA services, and full trip support across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and the Maldives.

  1. How can I arrange a meeting with VVIP Flight at Aviation Africa 2026? 

Contact our team at ops@vvipflight.com ahead of the summit, and we will confirm a meeting time around your schedule at the Sarit Expo Centre in Nairobi.

CategoriesBespoke Charter ServiceBusiness Aircraft Operations

BRICS Summit India 2026: Complete Flight Planning Guide for Business Aviation

Posted on August 5, 2026by VVIP Flight

The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026. India holds the BRICS chairship this year under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” and the summit will bring together Head of States and senior government delegations from all ten BRICS member nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia, alongside partner country representatives and accompanying business delegations.

For business aviation operators, flight departments, and charter operators planning movements into New Delhi around this period, the BRICS Summit creates a concentrated demand on the same airport infrastructure at the same time. Planning well in advance is not a recommendation. For an event of this scale, it is an operational necessity.

What to Expect at Delhi Airport During the BRICS Summit

Major international summits in New Delhi consistently produce the same set of aviation conditions: compressed slot availability, reduced general aviation parking, heightened security protocols, and in some cases temporary airspace restrictions in and around the capital. India has hosted events of this scale before, including the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September 2023, during which the airport saw significant slot coordination requirements and some domestic flight adjustments to accommodate the volume of diplomatic and VIP movements.

The BRICS Summit in September 2026 will generate a similar operational environment. Heads of State from eleven member countries, plus partner country delegations, business forums, and accompanying media, all arrive within a compressed window, creating peak demand on parking stands, fuel, ground handling teams, and ramp coordination resources simultaneously.

Operators who begin planning now, rather than in the weeks before the summit, will have a substantially better operational outcome than those who leave permit applications, slot requests, and parking confirmations until the event is close.

Landing Permit and Overflight Permit Lead Times

All non-scheduled foreign-registered aircraft operating into India require landing permits from the DGCA, regardless of the purpose of the flight. For standard operations, a landing permit takes 3 working days. For flights originating from China, or any other country on India’s restricted-origin list, including North Korea, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, and Nigeria, the timeline extends to 7 working days.

Given that several BRICS member countries fall within the restricted-origin list, operators planning flights into New Delhi for the summit from these countries should account for the 7-working-day timeline and apply accordingly, with additional buffer time built in for any correction or revision that may be needed.

For aircraft that are transiting Indian airspace without landing, an overflight permit is required. Standard overflight permits are processed in 1 working day, extending to 3 working days for restricted-origin countries.

During a major international summit, the DGCA and related authorities manage an exceptionally high volume of permit applications simultaneously. Applying early is not only advisable for individual operational reasons. It is the responsible approach given the collective demand on the permit processing system during this period.

Slot and Parking Coordination at Delhi

Indira Gandhi International Airport (VIDP) is a slot-coordinated airport. General aviation slots at Delhi are managed separately from commercial airline slots, and availability is determined by residual capacity after commercial operations are accounted for. During the summit period, commercial traffic adjustments, VIP movement sequencing, and security-related operational restrictions will further reduce the available general aviation slot window.

Parking at Delhi is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Operators planning extended stays around the summit should confirm parking availability with their ground handler well in advance and should be prepared for the possibility that the stand confirmation timeline may be longer than during a standard operation.

For delegations requiring tarmac access, VIP lounge coordination, or ceremonial reception facilities, these need to be arranged through the ground handler as part of the pre-arrival coordination process, not as a day-of-arrival request.

AOR Numbers for Defense Airports

If any part of a diplomatic mission’s ground arrangements involves a defense or jointly operated airfield in connection with the summit, the Air Operations Routine (AOR) number process applies, with a standard lead time of 3 to 4 weeks. Operators should confirm whether any leg of their planned operation touches a defense facility and apply for AOR authorization accordingly.

Security Coordination for VVIP and Diplomatic Movements

Head of State and diplomatic flights operating into New Delhi during the summit follow a clearance path that runs through the Ministry of External Affairs alongside standard civil aviation approval. Security coordination for these movements involves the relevant embassy, the Indian protocol authority, and the ground-handling team working in sequence. This process cannot be compressed into a last-minute application, and delegations who have not initiated their coordination process in advance of the summit will face significant operational difficulty.

For embassies and protocol offices managing movement logistics, the consistent recommendation is to begin coordination at least one month ahead of the planned arrival, and for defense-adjacent movements, considerably earlier.

Additional BRICS-Related Meetings Across India

The leaders’ summit on September 12 and 13 in New Delhi is the headline event, but India’s BRICS chairship has generated a calendar of related ministerial, working group, and sector meetings across multiple cities throughout 2026. The BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meeting was held in Gurugram on 25 and 26 June 2026. BRICS Foreign Ministers met in Delhi on 14 and 15 May 2026. Operators managing delegations attending any of these events face the same permit, slot, and ground handling requirements, scaled to the specific airport involved.

How VVIP Flight Supports Operations Into BRICS Summit India 2026

At VVIP Flight, we provide complete ground handling and trip support for diplomatic missions, Head of State movements, and business aviation operations across India. For the BRICS Summit period, our team manages the full permit application process, slot coordination, parking confirmation, VIP lounge access, and ramp handling at Delhi as an integrated service, with a single point of contact managing every element of the ground operation.

Operators planning to fly into New Delhi for the BRICS Summit should initiate coordination now. For assistance with any aspect of your operation, please contact our 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)

  1. When and where is the BRICS Summit 2026?

The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, India, on September 12 and 13, 2026, under India’s BRICS chairship and the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

  1. Which countries are BRICS members in 2026?

BRICS currently has ten full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the UAE, and Indonesia.

  1. How long does a landing permit take for flights into India during a major summit?

Standard landing permits take 3 working days. For flights originating from restricted countries, the timeline extends to 7 working days. Applying well ahead of the event is strongly recommended given the volume of concurrent applications during a summit period.

  1. Do diplomatic flights into New Delhi for the BRICS Summit need special coordination?

Yes. Head of State and diplomatic flights require clearance through the Ministry of External Affairs alongside standard civil aviation permits, and this process should be initiated as early as possible before the planned arrival.

CategoriesBespoke Charter ServiceBusiness Aircraft Operations

BRICS Summit India 2026: Aviation Planning for International Operators

Posted on August 4, 2026by VVIP Flight

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)

  1. 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.”

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

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