Airspace curbs to remain in force from September 11 to 13; scheduled airlines, VVIP and emergency flights exempted with clearances
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has imposed airspace restrictions around New Delhi ahead of the BRICS Summit, barring non-scheduled flight operations at airports within a 300-km radius of the national capital from September 11 to 13.
Under the Notice to Air Missions (Notam), the restrictions will remain in force daily from 7 am to 11 pm during the three-day summit. Private chartered aircraft and other non-scheduled flights will not be permitted to operate during these hours.
Regularly scheduled commercial airline services have been exempted from the restrictions. Special flights carrying foreign heads of state and their delegations will also be allowed to operate, subject to advance clearance of their flight plans and itineraries by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
State-owned aircraft and helicopters carrying governors or chief ministers will also be exempt.
The restrictions further exclude operations by the Indian Air Force, Border Security Force and Aviation Research Centre. Army Aviation helicopters conducting airborne Quick Response Team missions, along with casualty evacuation and immediate medical evacuation flights cleared by the MHA, will also be permitted.
Safdarjung airport, meanwhile, will remain closed during the period, except for IAF helicopters deployed for emergency or VIP duties and BSF or IAF helicopters used by the National Security Guard for immediate backup support.
Around 35 special aircraft, including VVIP and charter flights carrying foreign delegations, are expected to arrive in Delhi for the summit. The event is expected to bring around 12 heads of state to the national capital.
September 11 is likely to see the busiest movement, with delegations from several countries scheduled to arrive. Leaders from Kazakhstan, Vietnam and China are expected to reach Delhi on September 12.
Besides Delhi airport, Noida International Airport, Hindon and Jaipur airports will be used to park aircraft carrying visiting delegations, while Lucknow airport will remain on standby.
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