If you are planning to travel from Delhi Airport between January 21 and January 26, then this information is very important for you. Due to the Republic Day Parade, its rehearsals and the tight security arrangements related to it, Delhi’s airspace will remain completely closed for a few hours every day for these 6 days. This may have a direct impact on hundreds of flights to and from Delhi.
NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued by the government, in which it is clearly stated that during the stipulated time, neither any plane will be able to land in Delhi nor will it be able to take-off from here. Since Delhi Airport is the busiest airport in the country, the effect of this closure will not be limited to Delhi only, but connecting flights within the country and abroad will also be affected.
When and for how long will Delhi airspace remain closed?
According to NOTAM, all types of flight movements over Delhi will be completely stopped from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm every day from January 21 to January 26, 2026. During this period no flight will land at Delhi Airport. No plane will be able to take-off from Delhi. This arrangement has been made keeping in mind the full dress rehearsal, practice of the Republic Day Parade and the flypast of the Air Force and VVIP movement to be held in the main function of 26 January.
Why is airspace closed on Republic Day?
Every year before Republic Day and on 26 January, very tight security arrangements are implemented in Delhi. During this time, fighter planes and helicopters of the Indian Air Force practice flypast. The President, Prime Minister and foreign guests are present. The airspace is temporarily closed to avoid any kind of air error. For this reason, airlines and pilots are informed in advance by issuing NOTAM, so that they can change their flight operation plans.
What will be the impact on passengers?
Passengers traveling from Delhi Airport may have to face many problems these days. There may be a possible impact on flights. Departure and arrival times of many flights can be changed. Some flights may be canceled or re-scheduled. Passengers catching connecting flights may face additional problems. Due to the already ongoing fog, the delay may increase further. According to aviation analytics company Cirium, more than 600 flights may be affected during this period. Lakhs of passengers travel through Delhi Airport every day and a large number of international connecting flights also connect from here.
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