Flight delays and cancellations have already been troubling passengers across North India, especially in Delhi, due to winter fog and cold waves. Now, air travellers passing through the national capital will have to brace for another round of disruption starting January 21, as Delhi’s airspace will be temporarily shut down for Republic Day rehearsals and security protocols, according to reports by UNI.
Delhi airspace will remain shut daily from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM for a period of six days beginning January 21, according to a government Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). The 2 hour and 25 minutes daily closure overlaps with one of the busiest hours at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), where it is likely to cause travel disruption.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, over 600 flights could be disrupted over the six-day period. This timeframe usually experiences heavy air traffic, as passengers from all over India connect to afternoon long-haul flights to Europe and onward domestic destinations.
Experts say disturbances in this small window can create a ripple effect, causing delays on various routes. Airlines have only eight days to reschedule , handle missed connections, process refunds, and reroute passengers-all expensive and operationally complicated tasks for a busy hub like Delhi.
Passengers transiting via Delhi should check updated schedules, track messages from airlines, allow extra layover time, and consider rebooking or alternative routes during the closure window to avoid missed connections.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/travel/news/delhi-airspace-closure-from-january-21-for-republic-day-rehearsals-600-flights-likely-to-be-affected/articleshow/126508155.cms