Republic Day curbs to hit Delhi airport for 6 days, lakhs of flyers to suffer

Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport will face daily airspace closures for six days starting January 21, disrupting flight operations during one of its busiest periods. The airspace will remain shut from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm each day due to Republic Day security arrangements, affecting hundreds of flights and thousands of passengers.

The government issued a NOTAM citing practice sessions, dress rehearsal, and the Republic Day parade, which includes a flypast and cultural and military displays along Kartavya Path. However, the announcement came with just eight days’ notice, leaving airlines with limited time to adjust schedules, reroute aircraft, or manage cancellations and refunds.

According to aviation analytics estimates, more than 600 flights will be impacted during the closure window. This timeframe coincides with peak connectivity hours at Delhi airport, when passengers from across India arrive to connect with afternoon international flights, especially to Europe, intensifying the ripple effect across other airports as well.

Passengers are advised to keep their contact details updated with airlines to receive timely alerts on delays, cancellations, or rescheduled flights. While airlines typically offer alternative travel options or refunds, last-minute changes may result in higher fares, making rebooking more expensive for travellers.

The situation is further complicated by persistent winter fog in Delhi, which already strains airport operations. Aviation experts note that such last-minute announcements could hurt Delhi’s ambition to position itself as a major transfer hub, as frequent disruptions may push passengers to consider alternate routes in the future.