If you’re among the many who frequently travel to Delhi for business or leisure, we have an important update for you! The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced that from January 21 to January 26, there will be airspace restrictions over Delhi and its adjacent areas. During this period, operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport will be paused for approximately two and a half hours each day. This measure is part of the increased security protocols for the upcoming Republic Day festivities. If you’re planning a trip to Delhi Airport, read on for all the details.
A temporary closure at the airport, announced via a government Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), is anticipated to affect travel for numerous passengers, leading to delays, rescheduled flights, and potential missed connections. The airport will be shut from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM for 145 minutes on specified days. During this period, take-offs and landings will not be allowed in and around Delhi. This period is particularly busy for the Delhi airport, as many domestic arrivals transition to afternoon flights headed for Europe and various cities in India.
And on January 26 (Republic Day), there will be extended suspension times from 8:30 AM to 1 PM and again from 3 PM to 7 PM. Additionally, on January 29, there will be a suspension from 3 PM to 7 PM.
Delhi Airport Has Notified Airlines About This, And Flights Will Be Adjusted Accordingly
Airlines have been notified that while some flights might be cancelled, most will have adjusted schedules, and passengers may be placed on alternative flights, complicating operations further amid the peak winter travel season.
These measures are necessary for maintaining security during Republic Day preparations, including rehearsals and flyovers, as well as protecting aircraft and dignitaries. Consequently, international flights to cities like Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu, and Colombo may also experience changes or delays.
If you are planning to travel to Delhi airport during that period, make sure to regularly check airline websites and apps for flight updates. Arrive early to accommodate delays and ensure your contact information is current for alerts. Allow extra time for connections and consider flexible bookings for easier management of changes.
