Aero India 2025, which took place at Air Force Station Yelahanka (AFSY) in Bengaluru, faced a major issue that has plagued the city during every edition of the biennial airshow: crippling traffic jams. The event, described by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh as the “Maha Kumbh of collaboration,” drew comparisons to the massive crowds at religious festivals, but this comparison may also highlight the severe traffic disruptions caused by the event.
Held in Bengaluru since 1996, Aero India has steadily grown larger with each passing year. While organisers tout this expansion as evidence of success, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The increasing scale of the airshow directly correlates with worsening traffic congestion, particularly along Bellary Road, a critical artery connecting Bengaluru to Kempegowda International Airport. This road, vital for both local commuters and international travelers, became a parking lot during the event, causing gridlocks that stretched for miles.
The immense traffic jams affected daily life for Bengaluru residents and could deter potential foreign and domestic investors. For a city striving to establish itself as a global hub, these logistical failures expose Bengaluru’s vulnerabilities. The consequences of these traffic snarls ripple throughout the city, hindering productivity and adding to the woes of citizens.
The time has come for a hard truth: Bengaluru, in its current state of overgrowth, can no longer sustainably host large-scale events like Aero India. Moving the airshow to a more accessible location may be the key to ensuring that both the event and the city can continue to thrive without the crippling effects of traffic paralysis.