The old Begumpet airport runway turned into a lively festival ground as Wings India 2026 opened to the public on January 30. Visitors from across Telangana arrived from 10 a.m. onwards, eager to see planes up close. Families, children on shoulders, and curious youngsters filled the entrance area, excited to view aircraft up close rather than as distant sky dots. Devender, visiting from Warangal, brought his young family to fulfill a long-held wish. Holding his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, he said, “I wanted them to see what aeroplanes look like in real life.” Nearby, Rithika returned with her parents, continuing a family tradition started in her childhood. Sitesh guided his elderly mother and aunt, first-time visitors to the show, to the impressive Boeing 787 Dreamliner. “Pehli baar itna bada plane dekh kar khushi toh ho rahi hai,” his mother said, smiling in wonder. College students admitted they had skipped classes for the day. Their timing paid off as the Suryakiran Aerobatic Team flew overhead, jets roaring and performing tight formations, drawing cheers and applause. Priya, a hopeful pilot, said, “To see these beautiful jets right in front of my eyes is like a dream. One day, I want to fly one of these.” As aerial shows began, the crowd paused in silence, many sharing live video calls with loved ones far away. On the ground, children queued for aviation merchandise, with parents picking souvenirs to remember the day. The event brought the joy of flight closer to many, making it a bright day at Begumpet.