Delhi Airport to Suspend Operations for 145 Minutes Each Day Leading Up to Republic Day

Indira Gandhi International Airport Runway Closure for Republic Day

The Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi has announced the closure of one of its runways for 145 minutes every day until January 26. This closure, which will last for 2 hours and 25 minutes, is part of the security arrangements put in place for Republic Day celebrations.

Impact on Flights

According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the airport, the runway closure is scheduled from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm daily. This closure is essential for the smooth conduct of various Republic Day activities, including rehearsals, drills, and the flypast. It is anticipated that over 1,300 flights, both domestic and international, will be affected by this temporary airspace restriction.

Aviation analytics firm Cirium has estimated that at least 1,336 flights – 665 departures and 671 arrivals – will be impacted over the eight-day period leading up to Republic Day.

Flight Disruptions

Each day, the closure will affect a varying number of departures and arrivals. For example, on January 19, there will be 85 departures and 85 arrivals affected. The lightest day of impact is expected to be on January 21, with 79 departures and 81 arrivals facing disruptions. The remaining days will see between 81 and 84 departures and 82 and 87 arrivals impacted daily.

Some flights may experience timing changes instead of being outright canceled due to the runway closure. The timing of this disruption coincides with Delhi’s peak fog season, which could further complicate flight operations.

International Flights Affected

International flights to key destinations such as Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu, and Colombo will also face disruptions due to the airspace closure. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the Republic Day events, including the flypast and the presence of dignitaries.

Security Measures

Enhanced security measures have been put in place at Delhi Airport in light of Republic Day celebrations. Passengers are advised to cooperate with security staff and plan their journey accordingly to maintain a safe environment for all travelers.

Passenger Guidelines

Passengers traveling through Delhi Airport during this period are advised to:

• Stay Informed: Keep updated contact information with the airline for timely updates on flight changes.
• Avoid Closure Hours: If possible, book flights outside the 10:20 am to 12:45 pm window to minimize disruptions.
• Prepare for Delays: Expect longer travel times due to increased security screenings for Republic Day events.
• Monitor Flight Schedules: Regularly check for any changes to flight schedules through booking platforms and airline updates.