Delhi Airspace to Shut from January 21: Hundreds of Flights to Be Hit; Check All Details

Travellers flying to, from, or via Delhi may face fresh travel trouble from January 21, as the government has announced a temporary closure of Delhi's airspace ahead of Republic Day celebrations.

Air passengers are already dealing with flight delays caused by winter fog. According to a government notice, civilian flights over Delhi will be stopped for about two hours and 25 minutes every day from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm, for six days starting January 21.

Why is Delhi airspace being closed?

The airspace is being closed for Republic Day practice and security arrangements. These include air force flypast rehearsals, defence aircraft movements, and parade preparations along Kartavya Path. Such airspace restrictions are imposed every year before January 26 to ensure safety during the celebrations.

As per reports, estimate that over 600 flights could be impacted during this period. While most flights are not expected to be cancelled, passengers may experience delays, rescheduled flights, and missed connections, especially during afternoon hours when air traffic is usually heavy.

Many travellers use Delhi as a connecting hub for international flights to Europe and other domestic destinations, making the disruption more challenging for those with tight travel schedules.

Airlines under pressure

With the official notice issued just days before the closure begins, airlines now have limited time to adjust flight schedules, manage passenger connections, and offer alternative bookings or refunds. This could also lead to crowding and delays even after the airspace reopens each day.
Adding to the trouble is Delhi's peak fog season, which has already caused several weeks of flight delays, especially during early mornings and late nights. On days when fog is dense, flight operations become even more difficult.

What passengers should do

If you are travelling via Delhi between January 21 and January 26, it is advisable to:

• Check your flight status regularly
• Keep extra time for connecting flights
• Stay alert for messages from your airline
• Choose flexible travel options if possible