The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Love too was in the air, not just planes

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Sunday, Feb 15, 2009
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Love too was in the air, not just planes

Staff Reporter

Bangalore: The airshow at Aero India 2009 on Saturday attracted thousands of visitors, including many couples celebrating Valentine’s Day.

The number of pavilions provided for the public to watch displays by various aircraft could not accommodate all and thousands of them watched the aerobatics standing under the sun.

Many public servants, including top government officials and their family members, and judges visited the show as it was a holiday for them, being second Saturday.

For Sheetal, a final year engineering student, and Avinash, a software professional, the airshow turned out to be a venue for spending time away from home on Valentine’s Day.

“I saw the airshow four years ago. This time I got two passes through one of my friends, and I had to convince by younger brother to drop his plan to visit the show so that I could take Sheetal instead,” said Avinash.

Sheetal was surprised when Avinash drove her to the show in the morning instead of taking her for a movie as they had planned earlier. “I will not forget the thundering sound of aircraft and it is a memorable day in my life,” said Sheetal as an F-18 fighter aircraft took off from the runway.

The parking areas provided near the Yelahanka Air Force Station, where the show is being held, were full with buses, cars and two-wheelers.

Traffic at the main entrance to the venue on National Highway 7, from where VIPs and business visitors were being allowed inside, was affected many a times during the day. Sudden cancellation of entry to the parking area earmarked for business pass or ticket holders caused confusion among the visitors.

There were heated arguments between the police and visitors who were made to move from one gate to another because of wrong directions given by the police. Many business visitors were upset with the language used by the police.

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