Head of State (HOS) flights and presidential/diplomatic aircraft movements are among the most demanding operations in aviation. When they occur in India — one of the world’s most diplomatically active nations — they involve a network of authorities that most handling agents have never coordinated with.
Aileron Air has handled HOS and VIP diplomatic movements for multiple heads of state and government at Indian airports including VIDP (Delhi), VAAH (Ahmedabad), and others. This is what it involves.
Who Is Involved in HOS Flight Handling in India?
Unlike a standard private jet arrival where the handler coordinates with DGCA, Customs, Immigration, and BCAS, a head of state movement requires coordination with:
- Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Protocol Division — the primary authority for all state visits to India
- Special Protection Group (SPG) — for movements involving Indian VIPs under SPG protection
- ITBP / NSG / state police — security forces at the airfield
- Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) — NOTAM and airspace management
- Defence Protocol Wing — for military aircraft of visiting states
- Bureau of Immigration — VVIP arrival processing
- Airport Authority of India (AAI) — slot management, apron assignment, and VVIP terminal if applicable
The VVIP Terminal at VIDP
Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport has a dedicated VVIP Terminal (also called the State Terminal or Terminal VVIP). This facility is used for:
- Presidential and prime ministerial arrivals/departures
- State visits by foreign heads of state and government
- Select diplomatic movements based on Protocol Division direction
Use of the VVIP Terminal requires specific MEA Protocol clearance. The terminal provides a private arrival and departure sequence completely separate from commercial operations — the visiting principal never enters the public terminal.
The Handling Process: Step by Step
30+ Days Before Visit
- Flight operational details shared with MEA Protocol Division by the visiting state’s embassy
- DGCA begins processing the State Aircraft permit (separate from standard civil aircraft permits)
- Aileron Air receives initial operational brief and begins coordination with all relevant authorities
10-7 Days Before
- Landing permit confirmed with DGCA for the state aircraft
- Security recce of the apron conducted by relevant security forces
- VVIP Terminal usage confirmed with AAI
- Fuel uplift pre-arranged with approved fuel vendor
- Medical team on standby arranged if required by the visiting delegation
- Aileron Air supervisor deployed to pre-visit planning meeting with security and protocol teams
48-24 Hours Before
- Final manifest submitted to MEA Protocol and Immigration
- NOTAM issued restricting airspace around the airport during arrival/departure window
- Security cordon plan confirmed for apron
- Vehicle convoy sequence confirmed with protocol and security teams
- All ground services (GPU, stairs, catering if applicable) pre-positioned
Arrival Day
- Aileron Air supervisor on apron 3+ hours before arrival
- Security forces in position at apron perimeter
- Stairs positioned precisely aligned with aircraft door
- Protocol officer and Ambassador (if applicable) in VVIP Terminal for greeting
- Aircraft engines shut down — Aileron Air supervisor coordinates GPU connection, documents the arrival
- Crew escorted through documentation process by Aileron Air team
- Aircraft security cordon established
During State Visit
- Aircraft remains on secured apron under 24-hour security watch
- Aileron Air monitors any maintenance requirements (fuel, cleaning, minor tech)
- Aircraft is ready for departure at any time the principal requires
Departure
- Departure protocol coordinated by MEA and Aileron Air
- NOTAM for departure restriction issued
- Aircraft prepared for departure (fuel, documents, crew briefing)
- Principal boards via VVIP Terminal
- ATC departure clearance on Protocol priority basis
How Aileron Air’s Experience Makes the Difference
State visits operate on zero-error tolerance. A delay in GPU connection, a missing customs form, or a vehicle in the wrong position is unacceptable. Aileron Air’s VIP and Charter Flight Supervision team brings:
- Prior experience of multiple HOS and diplomatic movements in India
- Established relationships with MEA Protocol, BCAS, and AAI at VIDP and other airports
- A dedicated supervisor who has been through the protocol drill and knows each authority’s specific requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Aileron Air handle HOS movements at airports other than Delhi?
A: Yes. Aileron Air has managed state visit ground operations at multiple Indian airports. The specific protocol arrangements vary by airport and are confirmed with MEA and the relevant state government in advance.
Q: What if the head of state’s schedule changes at short notice?
A: Schedule changes during state visits are common. Aileron Air’s team is pre-positioned and always ready to advance or delay the ground sequence on short notice. Our 24/7 ops line is maintained throughout the state visit.
Q: Does Aileron Air provide security personnel for state visit aircraft?
A: Aileron Air coordinates with the appropriate government security agencies. We do not provide our own security personnel for HOS movements — this is the domain of state security agencies and is not appropriate for a private company to replicate.
For HOS and diplomatic flight handling in India, contact Aileron Air through our secure enquiry form or our 24/7 operations line at +91-88 00 70 9001.
