As the Republic Day approaches, the government has announced additional travel challenges for passengers already grappling with winter fog. Starting January 21, airspace over Delhi will be closed as part of Republic Day safety protocols.
On Tuesday, authorities issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) specifying that Airport shutdown will last from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM each day for six days. This two-hour-and-twenty-five-minute closure is expected to impact thousands of flights, leading to delays, cancellations, and disrupted connections, while posing logistical challenges for airlines in managing affected passengers.
The government issued a NOTAM today, January 13, giving airlines just eight days to adjust flight schedules, manage missed connections, and arrange reroutes or refunds ahead of the Republic Day airspace closure. The shutdown, necessary for Republic Day parade rehearsals and the main event along Kartavya Path, comes as Delhi and other major airports near full capacity, making rescheduling a complex task.
Such complete closures are necessary for security reasons, ensuring the safety of aircraft participating in the Republic Day flypast and protecting the dignitaries attending the celebrations. While flights affected by the airspace closure may not always be cancelled, they are likely to experience schedule changes or be rebooked on alternative flights.
Flights impacted by the closure may be rescheduled rather than cancelled.
Passengers will be accommodated on different flights at alternate times if needed.
The closure period coincides with winter fog in Delhi, which may further reduce visibility.
On days of low visibility, managing the large number of flights and passengers in a limited operating window could lead to operational challenges and delays.
If you have a flight to or from Delhi at the given times and dates, make sure your contact information is current so airlines can promptly inform you of any changes or cancellations. If a cancellation occurs, airlines usually offer alternative arrangements or a full refund. Due to the last-minute nature of the change, ticket prices are likely to be higher than when initially purchased, so choosing alternative options might be more prudent.
Last-minute airspace closure announcements impact passengers and may push many to choose alternative travel options, affecting airlines like Air India and IndiGo and Delhiās hub status. While the shutdown is essential for safety, advance notice could be given earlier since Republic Day and its closures occur on fixed dates each year.
