New Delhi, January 13, 2026 – Passengers travelling to and from Delhi later this month are facing yet another layer of disruption, as the government has announced a temporary closure of the capital’s airspace in the lead-up to Republic Day. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on Tuesday, the airspace will be closed for 145 minutes daily from January 21 to January 26. While the closure is a standard safety protocol for the Republic Day rehearsals and celebrations, it is expected to impact thousands of flights and passengers, causing delays, cancellations, and a scramble for alternative arrangements.

Details of the Closure

The NOTAM specifies that the airspace over Delhi will be unavailable for civilian traffic from 10:20 hours to 12:45 hours each day during the six-day period. This two-hour-and-25-minute window covers practice sessions, the full-dress rehearsal, and the Republic Day parade itself, which is held annually along Kartavya Path. The celebrations include a grand parade, flypast, and displays of military hardware, as well as cultural performances attended by dignitaries and the President of India.

This announcement, made just eight days before the closure begins, leaves airlines with limited time to adjust schedules, reschedule flights, reroute passengers, and handle potential refunds or compensation. The suddenness of the notice is expected to put considerable strain on airlines and airport authorities alike, particularly as this period coincides with one of the busiest travel windows at Delhi Airport.

Impact on Flights and Passengers

Data shared by Cirium, an aviation analytics company, indicates that over 600 flights are likely to be affected during the closure period. Delhi Airport, one of the busiest in India, handles thousands of inbound and outbound passengers daily, including connecting passengers from domestic and international flights. The closure, therefore, is expected to ripple across the network, affecting not only flights that originate or terminate in Delhi but also those with connecting passengers passing through the capital.

Passengers may face flight delays, cancellations, or rescheduling. While not all flights will be cancelled, most will see changes in departure and arrival timings. Airlines will be required to accommodate affected passengers on alternate flights or provide refunds. However, the compressed window for operations, combined with Delhi Airport operating near full capacity, limits flexibility in rescheduling, making it a complex logistical challenge for airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, and others.

The impact is further compounded by the winter fog in Delhi, which already causes delays and reduced visibility during early mornings. If fog coincides with the restricted window, the operational pressure will increase significantly, potentially leading to longer delays and misconnected passengers.

Why the Closure is Necessary

The airspace closure is essential for security and safety reasons. During the Republic Day celebrations, flypast operations involve aircraft performing intricate manoeuvres at low altitudes, often in close proximity to dignitaries and large crowds. Any civilian aircraft in the vicinity could pose a risk to both operational safety and the security of participants. The closure ensures that rehearsals and the main event can proceed without interference from commercial air traffic.

The restriction also allows security forces to maintain a controlled environment around Delhi, safeguarding airspace near key government installations, the parade route, and areas frequented by foreign dignitaries. Though inconvenient, the closure is a standard practice, followed every year, to maintain safety and security standards for what is one of India’s largest national events.

Passenger Guidance and Precautions

Passengers scheduled to travel to or from Delhi during the specified hours are advised to take proactive steps to minimise inconvenience. Airlines are expected to contact affected passengers to inform them about cancellations, schedule changes, or alternative flight options. Passengers should ensure that their contact details are up to date and monitor airline notifications regularly.

In the case of flight cancellations, most airlines offer full refunds or rebooking on alternate flights. However, fares for last-minute options are likely to be higher than initially booked tickets, making it prudent for passengers to explore available alternatives in advance. The limited operating window also means that re-timing flights may not always be feasible due to knock-on effects at other airports, especially hubs such as Mumbai, where capacity is already stretched.

It is important for passengers to plan ahead and allocate extra time for travel, particularly for connecting flights. Airports and airlines will also deploy additional staff to assist misconnected passengers, handle irregular operations (IRROPS), and ensure smooth passenger flow.

Ripple Effects Across Other Airports

The Delhi airspace closure is not an isolated disruption. Aircraft movements are interdependent, and any change in one major airport impacts operations elsewhere. Flights not directly originating or terminating in Delhi may face schedule changes if their aircraft or crew are affected by the restricted window. This can create a cascade effect across India’s domestic and international network, affecting thousands of passengers beyond the capital.

Timing of the Announcement

The timing of the NOTAM has raised questions about the need for earlier communication. Republic Day occurs on the same date every year, and the associated airspace restrictions are a predictable annual exercise. Observers and aviation experts argue that announcing the closure just eight days in advance leaves insufficient time for airlines and passengers to adjust, leading to unnecessary disruptions.

Advance notice would allow airlines to adjust their schedules more efficiently, reduce the impact on passengers, and avoid costly last-minute operational changes. A proactive approach could also enhance Delhi’s position as a hub for connecting passengers, as travellers may otherwise choose alternative routes or airports to minimise potential delays during such predictable restrictions.

Airline and Airport Preparations

Airlines are now scrambling to revise schedules, notify passengers, and coordinate with airports for handling misconnected passengers. Ground staff, customer service teams, and operational departments will be under pressure to manage the high volume of changes in a short span. Airports will likely set up additional support counters and deploy personnel to assist passengers navigating cancellations, alternate flights, and connecting options.

For passengers, flexibility and patience will be essential. Following airline instructions, arriving early at the airport, and keeping alternative plans in mind will help reduce the stress of travel during this period.

Conclusion

While the airspace closure over Delhi from January 21 to 26 is necessary for security and safety reasons during Republic Day rehearsals and celebrations, its impact on passengers and airlines is significant. Over 600 flights are expected to be affected, leading to delays, cancellations, and disruptions not only at Delhi Airport but across the country.

The short notice for the announcement has amplified operational challenges, highlighting the need for earlier communication in future years to minimise inconvenience. Passengers are urged to stay informed, maintain contact with airlines, and plan travel with extra time, while airlines and airport authorities prepare for a complex logistical exercise to ensure safety and smooth operations during the restricted period.

Republic Day in India is a celebration of the nation’s unity, democracy, and cultural heritage. While the festivities, parades, and flypast are a source of pride and patriotism, the operational challenges posed by airspace closures serve as a reminder of the intricate planning required behind the scenes to ensure the safety of both dignitaries and the travelling public.