Republic Day Airspace Closure to Disrupt Over 600 Flights at Delhi Airport

January 13, 2026

New Delhi: Passengers already dealing with dense winter fog will face fresh travel challenges as airspace over Delhi will be shut for nearly two-and-a-half hours daily from January 21 to January 26 due to Republic Day security arrangements.

NOTAM Issued for Six Days, Major Delays Expected

The government on Tuesday issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), announcing the closure of Delhi airspace from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm each day for six days. The shutdown is required for practice sessions, the dress rehearsal and the Republic Day parade, which features a flypast, military displays and cultural presentations along Kartavya Path.
With the advisory coming just eight days in advance, airlines will be forced into a last-minute reshuffle of flight schedules, rebooking of passengers, and possible cancellations—an operationally complex and costly exercise.

Over 600 Flights to Be Hit, Thousands of Passengers Affected

Aviation analytics firm Cirium estimates that more than 600 flights will be impacted during the closure window. This period coincides with one of Delhi airport’s busiest traffic phases, when domestic arrivals feed into international departures, particularly to Europe.
While not all affected flights will be cancelled, many will be retimed, leading to missed connections, rescheduling and passenger inconvenience. The situation could worsen on days of poor visibility due to fog, as airlines will be forced to manage operations in a much smaller time window.

Why the Closure and What Passengers Should Do

Authorities have said the airspace shutdown is necessary to ensure security for aircraft involved in the flypast and for dignitaries attending the Republic Day समारोह. However, the timing of the announcement has raised concerns within the aviation sector.
Passengers scheduled to travel during the affected hours are advised to keep their contact details updated with airlines and monitor messages for schedule changes or cancellations. In case of cancellations, airlines generally offer alternative flights or full refunds, though last-minute rebooking may prove expensive.
Industry experts say that while the closure is essential for safety, earlier notice would help airlines and airports manage disruptions more smoothly—especially as Delhi aims to strengthen its role as a major aviation hub.