If you are planning to fly out of Delhi next week, take note! Starting January 21, the national capital’s airspace will face daily closures due to heightened Republic Day security.
According to a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) issued Tuesday, the skies will remain shut between 10:20 am and 12:45 pm for six consecutive days. This daily restriction is expected to trigger a wave of delays and cancellations, potentially disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers.”
“In view of the #RepublicDay celebrations, flight operations from #DelhiAirport will remain suspended for 90 minutes daily from 22nd January till 26th January 2022 as per the government order,” Delhi Airport said in a post shared on X.
Attention dear flyers!
In view of the #RepublicDay celebrations, flight operations from #DelhiAirport will remain suspended for 90 minutes daily from 22nd January till 26th January 2022 as per the government order.
Please contact your Airline operators for further information. pic.twitter.com/U8oAnHA0jQ— Delhi Airport (@DelhiAirport) January 22, 2022
What is the reason for the closure?
The closure is required for rehearsals and the final Republic Day parade, which includes a grand procession, cultural performances, military displays, and a flypast along the Kartavya Path.
Since the NOTAM was issued just eight days before the shutdown begins, airlines have very little time to adjust schedules, manage affected passengers, and offer rerouting or refunds—all of which will incur significant costs.
How many flights will be affected?
Over 600 flights will be affected during these six days, the Hindustan Times reported, citing data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
This is already one of the busiest periods at Delhi Airport, with passengers arriving from across India to catch afternoon connections to Europe and other international destinations. Consequently, thousands of travelers will face cancellations, rescheduling, and general disruptions daily.
The full closure is a necessary security measure to protect aircraft taking part in the flypast and to ensure the safety of dignitaries at the event. While not all affected flights will be cancelled, most will see timing changes or passenger re-accommodation.
Furthermore, as this period overlaps with heavy fog conditions, any day with poor visibility could exacerbate the chaos since the window of operating hours is already significantly reduced.
Operational Challenges for Airlines Airlines can only begin adjusting their schedules once the official NOTAM is received. They must now move quickly to cancel or reschedule flights, issue irregular operations (IRROPS) notifications, and coordinate with airports nationwide to minimize the impact on the network.