IAF scripts history with world's highest-altitude landing

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has set a world record after successfully landing an IL-76MD heavy transport aircraft at Nyoma airfield in Eastern Ladakh, at an altitude of 13,629 feet.

The IAF said it was the highest-altitude landing ever achieved by an IL-76MD aircraft anywhere in the world. The milestone highlights India’s ability to operate heavy transport aircraft in challenging high-altitude conditions and strengthens its strategic airlift capabilities in the region.” Located near the Line of Actual Control (LAC), Nyoma is one of India’s strategically important forward airfields. It supports military operations by helping transport troops, equipment and essential supplies to forward areas. Landing a heavy aircraft at such an altitude is a demanding task. Thin air at high elevations affects engine performance, lift and landing conditions, requiring careful planning and exceptional flying skills, the IAF said, adding that the successful operation demonstrated the crew’s precision and professionalism, along with the IL-76MD’s ability to operate in some of the world’s most challenging aviation environments.

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