Delhi Airport Closed: Flights in Delhi were already being severely affected by fog during winter, with flights departing late due to low visibility. Now, a new challenge has arisen for passengers. The government, considering security reasons, has decided to temporarily close the capital’s airspace for six days. This will directly impact flights departing from and arriving in Delhi, potentially causing inconvenience to passengers.
When Will the Airport Be Closed?
The government issued a Notice to Airmen on Tuesday. According to this, the airspace will remain closed for scheduled times for six days starting January 21. As per the government’s order, air traffic in Delhi will be halted daily from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM. This means that no commercial flight will be able to use this airspace for approximately 2 hours and 25 minutes. Both take-offs and landings will be suspended during this period. Passengers may face flight delays and cancellations. The government has instructed airlines to reschedule their flights.
Why is the Restriction Being Imposed?
Every year, before Republic Day, a full-dress rehearsal of the parade and flypast takes place on Kartavya Path. This involves Air Force aircraft, helicopters, and military equipment. Due to VVIPs and national security, it is considered necessary to halt regular air traffic during this time. While this does not mean all flights will be cancelled, their timings may be altered. Managing time becomes even more difficult during the foggy season.
Which Flights Will Be Affected?
According to data, over 600 flights are expected to be affected due to the airspace closure. This period is considered the busiest slot for Delhi Airport, with flights operating both domestically and internationally. Passengers travelling to Europe or other cities in the country may face difficulties catching their connecting flights. Consequently, thousands of people daily will have to deal with issues such as changes in flight timings, delays, or cancellations.
