The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi will close its runway daily for 2 hours and 25 minutes, from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm, until January 26 as part of security measures for Republic Day.
The closure, announced through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), aims to facilitate preparations for the Republic Day parade, including rehearsals, drills, and the flypast.
The temporary airspace restriction is expected to disrupt over 1,300 flights, both domestic and international. According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, a total of 1,336 flights—665 departures and 671 arrivals—will be impacted over eight days.
The breakdown of affected flights includes:
- January 19 (Sunday): 85 departures and 85 arrivals
- January 20 (Monday): 85 departures and 84 arrivals
- January 21 (Tuesday): 79 departures and 81 arrivals (least affected day)
- Remaining days: 81–84 departures and 82–87 arrivals each day
While some flights will be canceled outright, others may experience rescheduling. The disruption coincides with Delhi’s peak fog season, further complicating operations.
International flights to major destinations such as Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu, and Colombo will also face delays or cancellations. The airspace closure is essential to ensure the safety of dignitaries and secure the Republic Day flypast.
In addition to flight disruptions, Delhi Airport has implemented heightened security measures. A public notice issued on Monday emphasized, “Enhanced security measures are in place at Delhi Airport to ensure everyone’s safety. Please plan your time accordingly and cooperate with security staff.”
Tips for Passengers
To minimize inconvenience, passengers are advised to:
- Stay Updated: Provide updated contact details to airlines to receive timely notifications about flight changes or delays.
- Avoid Peak Hours: Book flights outside the restricted hours of 10:20 am to 12:45 pm.
- Prepare for Delays: Arrive at the airport well in advance, as heightened security screenings may increase travel times.
- Monitor Schedules: Regularly check flight statuses through booking platforms or airline updates for the latest changes.
Despite the disruption, these measures are crucial to ensuring the security and smooth execution of Republic Day celebrations. Passengers are encouraged to cooperate with airport authorities during this period.
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