Amid ongoing cold wave conditions and dense fog in the national capital, Delhi Airport is set to face further disruptions starting January 19. A NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) has been issued for the closure of airspace over Delhi from 10:20 am to 12:45 pm daily, from January 19 to 26, spanning a total of eight days, as reported by Mint. This closure is for the practice sessions, dress rehearsal, and the Republic Day parade, which includes a flypast and military displays along Kartavya Path. The NOTAM was released today.
Though the restrictions might cause some inconvenience, they are implemented to ensure the seamless execution of national celebrations. Last year, over 700 scheduled flights in and out of Delhi were cancelled due to Republic Day restrictions on aircraft movement over the span of eight days.
According to Mint, citing data from an aviation analytics company, over 1,300 flights will be reportedly impacted. On Sundays, there are 85 departures and an equivalent number of arrivals between 10:20 am and 12: 45 pm. On Monday, January 20, 85 departures and 84 arrivals will be impacted.
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Tuesday sees the least disruption, with 79 departures and 81 arrivals affected. For the rest of the week, the impact ranges between 81 and 84 departures and 82 to 87 arrivals, culminating in a total of 665 departures and 671 arrivals being affected over the entire eight-day period.
This disruption is not limited to domestic flights, as international flights from cities like Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu, and Colombo will also be impacted, as reported by Mint.
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What To Do If Your Flight Is Affected
If you’re scheduled to fly in or out of Delhi at a specified time and date, it’s essential to stay informed and prepared in case of any changes, such as cancellations or delays. Ensure that your contact details are updated with the airline so they can reach you quickly with important updates.
In the event of a cancellation, airlines will typically offer you alternative flight options or a full refund. However, given the last-minute nature of such changes, airfares are likely to be higher than when you initially booked your ticket. It might be wiser to consider these alternatives carefully to minimize disruption and additional costs.
This year, India will celebrate its 76th Republic Day on January 26. Republic Day marks the adoption of India’s constitution and its shift to a republic on January 26, 1950. The annual celebrations showcase impressive displays of military prowess and cultural performances.
