The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced temporary airspace restrictions over Delhi and surrounding regions in preparation for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, scheduled for January 26, 2026. The restrictions, aimed at enhancing security during the high-profile event, will impact flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) as well as other airports within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi.

Duration and Timing of Restrictions

According to two NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions) issued on Tuesday, the airspace over Delhi will remain closed to take-offs and landings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. daily between January 21 and January 25. On January 26, flight operations at IGIA will be suspended twice: first from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and later from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., to cover Republic Day events. A final window of restrictions will be in place on January 29, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Airlines have been instructed to reschedule flights to ensure that passengers are not adversely affected, while complying with the airspace closure.

Exceptions and Operational Guidelines

While the restrictions prohibit commercial flight operations in the affected zones during the specified windows, scheduled flights may still operate along approved Air Traffic Service (ATS) routes under strict altitude restrictions. Aircraft traversing the 300 km restricted zone will be allowed only above flight level 290, except when flying over designated VIP air corridors.

Several categories of flights are exempt from the restrictions, including:

• Indian Air Force, Army, and Border Security Force (BSF) aircraft
• Aviation Research Centre (ARC) operations
• Army helicopters on emergency or medical evacuation missions
• State-owned aircraft transporting governors or chief ministers

Other Airfields and Helicopter Operations

During the restricted hours, Safdarjung Airport will remain closed except for helicopters involved in emergency services, VVIP duties, or Republic Day flypast preparations. Similarly, the Rohini helipad will be inaccessible during these hours.

Drone and Aerial Vehicle Prohibitions

To strengthen security further, the restrictions extend to a wide range of unmanned and recreational aerial vehicles. These include:

• Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)
• Microlight aircraft, hang gliders, paragliders, and aero-models
• Long-range aerial vehicles (prohibited within a 300 km radius)
• Short-range aerial vehicles, including drones (banned within a 100 km radius)

Additionally, all flying objects—including drone cameras and airborne video equipment—are barred from operating in designated VIP areas during the restricted period.

Security Rationale

The temporary restrictions are part of standard security protocols for Republic Day and other national celebrations, where large gatherings, parades, and flypast demonstrations take place. Authorities aim to prevent any airborne threats and ensure the safety of dignitaries, participants, and the public.

Officials emphasized that the measures, while temporarily disruptive, are critical for national security and that affected airlines and passengers should plan travel accordingly.

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