A ceremonial flypast, pilots tossed in the air in celebration and dozens of cheering supporters - the first Russian warplanes on Tuesday returned home to a hero's welcome as part of the withdrawal of armed forces from Syria, AFP reports.
Once the pilots disembarked from the aircraft they were tossed in the air in celebration as cheering supporters clutched national flags, flowers and balloons, national television showed in a live broadcast.
In accordance with tradition, the pilots received a loaf of bread and salt, while a robed Orthodox priest offered them an icon to kiss.
After a welcoming ceremony complete with official speeches, the aviators
eceived flowers from women who shouted "congratulations."