India: Hundreds of flights canceled in Delhi Jan. 19-26

Event

Airport officials in Delhi announced on Saturday, January 6, that over 100 domestic flights will be canceled every day out of the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) from January 19 through January 26. An estimated 15,000 travelers are expected to be impacted by the cancelations. The airspace over Delhi will be closed between 10:35 until 12:15 (local time) during the same time period to allow for rehearsals of the air flybys that are part of the January 26 Republic Day parade. According to the airport authorities, the domestic flights cannot be rescheduled due to an increase in flights in and out of DEL. Other flights may also experience delays due to the airspace restrictions.

Context

India has annual Republic Day celebrations on January 26 to celebrate the day that the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. Every year, a massive parade is held in New Delhi as part of the celebrations.

Advice

Travelers flying to, from, or through DEL in the coming weeks are advised to confirm their reservations and contact their airline for additional information.