Diplomacy in the sky

Ahead of Aero India 2011, the annual defence aero show, to be held in Bangalore in February, pilots flying the fighters or bombers will have to do some trial runs. The problem is that Bengaluru International Airport is close to the venue, which means there will be frequent flight disruptions over eight days or so. The partial closure and restriction of airspace will affect many commercial airlines. BIAL, the airport operator, however, has chosen to say that “the airport will support the prestigious event’s requirement for showcasing the latest in the field of military and civil aircraft and technologies”. Which is a diplomatic way of warning the well-heeled about the impending disruptions.