Amid ongoing flight disruptions caused by dense fog, air travel from Delhi Airport is set to face further impact due to Republic Day security arrangements. The government has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) on Tuesday, announcing that Delhi’s airspace will remain completely closed for 2 hours and 25 minutes each day for six days starting 21 January.
As per the NOTAM, the airspace over Delhi will be shut from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM to facilitate Republic Day preparations, dress rehearsals, practice sessions, and the main parade. On Republic Day, Kartavya Path hosts the grand parade along with flypast, cultural performances, and military displays. For security reasons, clearing the airspace is essential to ensure the safety of aircraft involved in the flypast and the movement of dignitaries.
How Many Flights Will Be Affected?
According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 600 flights are expected to be impacted during the airspace closure period. This is one of the busiest operating windows at Delhi Airport, as passengers arriving from across India often connect to afternoon international flights to Europe and other destinations.
As a result, thousands of passengers may be affected daily, with flights either delayed, rescheduled, or potentially cancelled. The airspace closure is necessary to ensure uninterrupted and secure flypast operations during the Republic Day events.
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Will Flights Be Cancelled?
Not all affected flights will be cancelled, but many are likely to be rescheduled. Passengers may also be accommodated on alternative flights. However, the situation could worsen due to foggy weather conditions in Delhi, which often reduce visibility during this period.
Managing such a high number of flights within a shortened operating window will be challenging. Airports like Delhi and Mumbai are already operating at near full capacity, making slot adjustments and rescheduling difficult. The impact of the NOTAM will not be limited to flights originating or terminating in Delhi—it will affect the entire aviation network, as aircraft rotations are linked across multiple airports. This means even flights not directly connected to Delhi could face disruptions.
What Should Passengers Do?
Passengers travelling to or from Delhi between 21 January and the following six days, especially during the affected time window, should immediately contact their airline. Ensure that your mobile number and email address are updated with the airline so you receive timely notifications regarding delays, rescheduling, or cancellations.
If a flight is cancelled, airlines generally offer alternative flights or a full refund. However, last-minute bookings can be expensive, so opting for an alternative flight early is advisable. Airlines typically begin making adjustments only after receiving the NOTAM, following which they issue IRROPS (Irregular Operations) messages and coordinate with other airports to manage the disruption efficiently.