The skies above Chandigarh will roar with history and pride on September 26 when the Indian Air Force stages a spectacular air show to mark the retirement of the legendary MiG-21 fighter jet. The display, scheduled between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm at the Chandigarh Air Force Station, will be a rare opportunity for the public to witness the end of an era in Indian aviation.
Inducted in 1963, the MiG-21 has been the backbone of the IAF for over six decades. Despite its ageing design, the aircraft served as a frontline fighter through wars, peace missions, and training exercises, shaping the careers of countless pilots. Its final sortie on September 26 is being seen as a symbolic transition to a modern fleet that now includes Sukhoi-30 MKIs, Rafales, and the indigenous Tejas.
To ensure safe flying conditions, the Mohali District Magistrate has issued strict orders banning the feeding of pigeons and other birds within a 10-kilometre radius of Chandigarh airport until September 27. Bird strikes pose a significant hazard during low-altitude manoeuvres, particularly in aerobatic displays. The administration has also ordered the closure of meat shops likely to attract birds and directed waste management teams to step up clean-up drives in the vicinity. Violators could face legal action.
Authorities expect large crowds of aviation enthusiasts, veterans, and local residents to gather for the occasion. Traffic advisories are likely to be issued closer to the date, with additional security measures in place around the Air Force Station. Residents have already begun expressing excitement on social media, with many calling the event a “once-in-a-lifetime moment” to watch the MiG-21 take its final bow.
The Chandigarh air show will not only showcase the Indian Air Force’s aerial skills but also serve as a fitting tribute to an aircraft that has defined India’s military aviation for generations. For many, the retirement of the MiG-21 will be a poignant reminder of the past, even as the IAF charts a future of advanced technology and modern combat readiness.