While not all flights will be cancelled, passengers face significant risks of rescheduling and missed connections.
Republic Day 2026: Delhi Airport Airspace Closure Timing Revealed; 600+ Flights Hit
Ahead of Republic Day celebrations, as the government issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) enforcing airspace closures, air travel through Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) is set for major disruptions.
According to the advisory released on Tuesday, the Delhi airspace will remain shut for 145 minutes daily, from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM, for six consecutive days starting January 21 until January 26, 2026.
The closure is crucial to facilitate the Indian Air Force’s aerial flypasts and rehearsals for the Republic Day parade.
Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium indicates that over 600 flights are expected to be affected during this window. This period marks a peak travel time, with thousands of passengers arriving for connecting international flights or domestic transfers.
Airlines are now working to adjust schedules, as the NOTAM was issued with just eight days' notice. While not all flights will be cancelled, passengers face significant risks of rescheduling and missed connections.
Passengers are advised by authorities to update their contact details with airlines and check flight statuses regularly before heading to the airport.
Source: Hindustan Times
