Delhi IGI Airport Warns of Flight Disruptions During Republic Day Week

Aviation authorities in India have issued warnings of potential flight disruptions at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport in New Delhi between January 21 and 26, 2026, as Republic Day airspace restrictions and security measures take effect.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airport operators have advised carriers and passengers of temporary flight handling constraints linked to aerial closures and enhanced security protocols around the national capital during the Republic Day parade and related events. These measures are designed to secure aerial environments over key ceremonial zones and ensure safety during celebrations.

Temporary airspace restrictions will be in place over and around the national capital region during the peak dates leading up to and following Republic Day on January 26. Civil aviation sources say the higher volume of restricted flying zones, temporary control measures and no-fly corridors could impact arrival and departure sequences at IGI, one of India’s busiest international gateways.

Flight disruptions could include altered routings, extended holding patterns, runway usage adjustments, and possible delays during peak hours. Airlines serving Delhi for domestic and international sectors are coordinating with air traffic control authorities to recalibrate schedules and manage slot assignments in anticipation of the temporary constraints.

IGI’s flight planning teams and air navigation service providers are likely to implement revised arrival and departure spacing targets to balance runway utilisation with the need to accommodate restricted airspace segments. Such recalibrations often result in peak-period delays as controllers manage aircraft sequencing within limited available corridors.

Airlines operating through Delhi are expected to issue advisories to passengers on potential timetable impacts, recommending early check-in and real-time status checks. Some carriers may pre-emptively adjust schedules to offset expected constraints, particularly on sectors with tight connection windows.

Similar Republic Day periods in previous years have seen surges in flight delays and occasional cancellations when airspace restrictions intersect with high traffic volumes. These patterns underscore the operational complexity of balancing ceremonial airspace closures with high-density flight operations at major hubs such as IGI.

For passengers connecting through Delhi during Republic Day week, awareness of altered schedule dynamics is critical. Airports often experience crowded terminals, extended security queues, and baggage handling pressures alongside airborne congestion, further compounding travel experience challenges.

Aviation industry analysts note that managing peak traffic under airspace restrictions requires proactive coordination among airlines, air navigation services, airport operations and regulatory agencies. Integrated flow control mechanisms and dynamic slot management can mitigate disruptions, but residual delays are often unavoidable during major civic events that claim portions of controlled airspace.

Regulatory authorities reiterate that safety and security remain paramount when implementing airspace constraints. Ensuring seamless integration of restricted zones with airline operations relies on frequent communication, updated NOTAMs, and precise traffic flow management procedures.

Passengers and freight operators planning movements through Delhi during January 21–26 are advised to monitor airline communications and airport advisories closely, as evolving meteorological and operational factors can further influence movement patterns during the Republic Day celebrations.