Republic Day Preparations: Delhi Airport to suspend operations for 145 minutes daily, affecting 1,300 flights- Here’s what passengers need to know

The Delhi airport will close its runway daily for 145 minutes between 10:20 am and 12:45 pm from January 19 to January 26, following a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued for Republic Day security preparations. This closure aligns with rehearsals, drills, and the Republic Day parade and is expected to disrupt over 1,300 flights, including international routes to Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, and Colombo.

Impact on Flight Operations
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, 1,336 flights—665 departures and 671 arrivals—will be affected over the eight days. While some flights may experience timing changes rather than outright cancellations, the disruption coincides with Delhi’s peak fog season, which could further complicate operations.

Daily Breakdown of Flight Disruptions

• January 19 (Sunday): 85 departures and 85 arrivals affected.
• January 20 (Monday): 85 departures and 84 arrivals impacted.
• January 21 (Tuesday): 79 departures and 81 arrivals affected, the lightest day of the week.
• Remaining days will see 81 to 84 departures and 82 to 87 arrivals impacted each day.

International Routes Affected
The closure will also disrupt international flights, including those to major cities such as Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu, and Colombo. The airspace closure is crucial for ensuring the safety and security of dignitaries and aircraft involved in the Republic Day flypast. This annual measure ensures smooth and secure celebrations but poses challenges for flight operations.

Potential Passenger Challenges

• Foggy Weather: Delhi’s peak fog season exacerbates delays and operational complexities.
• Rescheduled Flights: Airlines may retime flights or accommodate passengers on different schedules.
• Higher Airfares: Passengers booking last-minute alternatives may face increased costs.

What Passengers Should Do

1. Stay Updated: Ensure your contact details are up-to-date with the airline to receive timely updates on flight changes.
2. Avoid Closure Hours: If booking a flight, avoid times between 10:20 am and 12:45 pm during the affected dates.
3. Plan for Delays: Account for longer travel times due to enhanced security screenings during Republic Day.
4. Check Booking Engines: Monitor flight schedules for changes, which airlines will reflect in their systems soon.

Challenges for Airlines and Airports
Airlines will face significant hurdles in retiming flights, particularly with Mumbai and Delhi airports already operating at near-full capacity. Adjusting schedules without impacting flights to and from other cities will require strategic planning.
While airspace closure for Republic Day is a necessary security measure, experts emphasise the importance of providing earlier warnings to airlines. This could help minimise disruption, particularly given Republic Day’s fixed annual date.

With airlines scrambling to manage disruptions, passengers should book flights outside closure hours and prepare for potential delays or changes. Awareness and early preparation can help mitigate the impact of these unavoidable disruptions.