Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Guwahati Traffic Chaos Amidst Record Crowd for IAF Air Show
Guwahati had a big air show for India's sky army, and lots of people wanted to see it!
So many people came that the roads got super crowded, like a giant traffic jam.
It was so bad that even special guests and reporters had trouble getting to the show or going home.
Some people could only see a tiny bit of the cool planes flying because they were stuck in their cars.
The people who planned the traffic didn't expect so many visitors, and it caused a lot of problems for everyone trying to move around the city.
Even though the air show was exciting, the traffic jams made it a difficult day for many.
An Indian Air Force 93rd anniversary air show in Guwahati drew an overwhelming crowd, causing massive traffic jams and chaos.
Many attendees, including media and VVIPs, struggled to reach the venue or leave due to severe congestion on city roads.
Spectators reported being stuck for hours, with some only catching brief glimpses of the air show from their vehicles.
Criticism was leveled against the traffic planning, with suggestions that it failed to account for the large turnout.
Traffic congestion persisted into the evening, affecting daily commuters and resulting in 'no entry' signs on several key routes.
- Who
- Indian Air Force (IAF), Guwahati residents, spectators, media professionals, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief of the Air Staff, senior police officers, traffic police.
- What
- An Indian Air Force 93rd anniversary air show that drew an overwhelming crowd, causing massive traffic chaos and gridlock throughout the city.
- When
- Sunday afternoon and evening
- Where
- Guwahati, with the air show held near the Lachit Borphukan statue at Machkhowa and traffic chaos extending across major roads and areas like Panbazar, Bharalumukh, Dighalipukhuri, Ambari, Gauhati Club, and Chandmari.
- Why
- To celebrate the Indian Air Force's 93rd anniversary, resulting in an unexpectedly large turnout that overwhelmed the city's traffic management systems.
Event Experience
Traffic and Crowd Management
Spectator Enjoyment vs. Accessibility
Event Experience
Thousands of spectators gathered along the Brahmaputra River, with many describing the air show itself as a wonderful experience and a spectacular display. Some noted it was the largest gathering they had seen in the area.
Traffic and Crowd Management
Many attendees, including media professionals and even VVIPs, struggled to reach the venue or leave afterward due to massive traffic jams. Some people could only catch brief glimpses of the show from their vehicles and faced hours-long commutes.
Planning and Execution
Event Experience
IAF officials and senior police officers were actively trying to manage the chaotic situation, indicating an effort to address the issues on the ground.
Traffic and Crowd Management
Despite an overwhelming crowd, the traffic planning was criticized as falling apart, with suggestions that it was insufficient and not adequately field-tested. Some constables expressed helplessness, suggesting better planning and involvement of field officers.
- Event
- Indian Air Force (IAF) 93rd Anniversary Air Show
- Location of Show
- Near Lachit Borphukan statue at Machkhowa, Guwahati
- Primary Impact
- Massive traffic jams and chaos across Guwahati
- Affected Parties
- General public, media personnel, VVIPs, daily commuters, city buses
- Duration of Congestion
- Continued until the evening in several areas
- Criticism Focus
- Traffic management and crowd control planning
Sources
IAF dazzles Guwahati skies with spectacular air show over Brahmaputra
Spectacular Air Show Marks 93rd Air Force Day in Guwahati
IAF’s prowess near ‘Chicken’s Neck corridor’ will give ‘sleepless nights’ to enemies: Himanta
‘Moriboloi Bhoi Nai’: Assamese grit echoes in IAF’s spectacular Guwahati Air display
Tejas, Rafale Shine Over Brahmaputra During Air Force's Grand Flypast In Assam
Indian Air Force hosts first-ever full-scale air show in Northeast at Guwahati
'Infallible, Impervious And Precise': IAF Dazzles Guwahati With Air Show Over Brahmaputra River, Marking 93rd Anniversary
IAF celebrates 93rd anniversary with first full-scale air show over Brahmaputra in Guwahati - Telegraph India
