Mysuru: The much-awaited Dasara Air Show 2026 remains uncertain, with the Indian Air Force’s Sarang Helicopter Display Team unlikely to participate because of a packed schedule, while confirmation from the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is still awaited. The State Government has already approached the Defence Ministry seeking an air show during this year’s Mysuru Dasara.

The uncertainty comes just weeks before the 2026 Dasara festivities, which are scheduled to begin on October 11 and conclude with Vijayadashami on October 21.

The air show has become one of the popular attractions associated with the Mysuru festival, drawing large crowds to Bannimantap and adding an aviation spectacle to the traditional celebrations.

Sarang team unlikely to participate

According to highly placed IAF sources quoted by Star of Mysore, the Sarang Helicopter Display Team is unlikely to participate in this year’s Dasara Air Show because its schedule has already been finalised and is packed.

The sources reportedly cited the short notice with which the proposal for this year’s air show was made. Organising an aerial display involves considerable logistical planning, including the deployment of helicopters, pilots, support personnel and ground teams.

With the Sarang team’s existing schedule already committed, accommodating another major display at short notice could prove difficult.

However, there has been no official communication from either the IAF or the State Government confirming that the air show has been cancelled.

Government awaits Defence Ministry response

Mysuru Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy said a proposal had already been submitted and that the district administration was awaiting confirmation.

The State Government’s move follows discussions at a recent Dasara progress review meeting in Bengaluru chaired by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister said discussions would be held with the Union Defence Minister regarding the possibility of organising an air show as part of the 2026 Dasara celebrations.

This means the final decision remains dependent on coordination between the State Government and the Defence Ministry, as well as the availability of IAF teams and the necessary logistical arrangements.

Surya Kiran confirmation awaited

While the Sarang team’s participation appears unlikely, the status of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) is also not yet clear.

According to the report, confirmation from the Surya Kiran team is still awaited. If the team is available and receives the necessary approval, its participation could potentially keep the possibility of an aerial display alive.

However, until an official confirmation is issued, it would be premature to announce that the Surya Kiran team will perform at Mysuru Dasara 2026.

Air show was a major attraction in 2025

The uncertainty is particularly significant because the air show drew considerable attention during last year’s Dasara.

In 2025, five Advanced Light Helicopters of the Sarang Helicopter Display Team performed at the Bannimantap Torchlight Parade Grounds. The helicopters carried out formation manoeuvres, loops, steep dives and criss-cross movements while leaving trails of red and white smoke.

The Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team also performed during the 2025 celebrations, attracting thousands of spectators.

The 2025 event therefore raised expectations that the aerial display could become a recurring feature of Mysuru Dasara.

Short notice poses logistical challenge

An air show by an elite IAF display team cannot be organised simply by scheduling aircraft or helicopters at a venue.

Such events require coordination involving aircraft, pilots, technical teams, ground support, safety arrangements, airspace management and local administration.

The short notice cited by the IAF sources therefore becomes an important factor in determining whether the 2026 event can take place.

For Mysuru, where Dasara attracts large crowds, any aerial display would also require extensive crowd-control and safety measures around the venue.

The administration would need sufficient time to coordinate with police, aviation authorities, defence personnel and other agencies before finalising the event.

Dasara 2026 already planned as a larger festival

The uncertainty over the air show comes at a time when the Karnataka Government is planning a broader revamp of Mysuru Dasara.

The official Dasara schedule lists October 11 as the opening day and October 21 as Vijayadashami, when the Jamboo Savari and Torchlight Parade are among the major attractions.

The State Government has also discussed introducing additional attractions and giving the festival a fresh identity, including greater participation from the armed forces and other institutions.

An air show would fit into these efforts to expand the festival’s appeal to tourists and visitors. However, the traditional cultural and religious programmes remain at the core of the celebrations.

Final decision awaited

For now, the 2026 Dasara Air Show remains a proposal rather than a confirmed event.

The State Government has sought the Defence Ministry’s support, while the district administration is awaiting a response. The Sarang team’s participation appears unlikely because of its existing commitments, while the Surya Kiran team’s availability has not yet been confirmed.

A final decision will depend on the availability of the IAF teams and whether the required arrangements can be completed within the limited time available.

Conclusion

The possibility of an air show at Mysuru Dasara 2026 remains uncertain, despite the State Government’s efforts to bring the spectacle back to the festival.

The Sarang Helicopter Display Team is reportedly unlikely to participate because of its packed schedule, while the status of the Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team is still awaited. With no official cancellation or confirmation announced yet, Mysuru residents and Dasara visitors will have to wait for the Defence Ministry and IAF to take a final call.

If approved, the air show could once again become a major attraction at Bannimantap. If the required teams are unavailable, however, the State Government may have to proceed with the festival’s other planned attractions without the aerial display.