Delhi Airport operator DIAL has announced a temporary flight suspension from January 19 to January 26, 2025, due to Republic Day week activities. Between 10:20 AM and 12:45 PM IST, no flights—both arrivals and departures—will be allowed to operate. This restriction will impact daily operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA), which typically handles around 1,300 flight movements daily. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines for updates on flight schedules during this period.
The airspace closure, as per the NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), will affect both domestic and international flights. Notably, flights to key international destinations such as Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu, and Colombo will also be disrupted. This temporary closure is critical for ensuring the safety of dignitaries and aircraft participating in the Republic Day flypast. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest for India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2025, adding to the significance of this security measure.
Daily flight disruption breakdown is as follows: On January 19 (Sunday), 85 departures and arrivals will be impacted. On January 20 (Monday), there will be disruptions to 85 departures and 84 arrivals. The least disrupted day will be January 21 (Tuesday), with 79 departures and 81 arrivals affected. For the remaining days, disruptions will continue, with between 81 to 87 departures and arrivals being affected daily.
Given the scale of this flight suspension, passengers are urged to stay updated and plan accordingly. DIAL has recommended checking with airlines for any rescheduled flight information to minimize travel inconveniences.