BRICS Summit: Delhi Airspace Restrictions Bar Non-Scheduled Flights Within 300 Km

Airspace restrictions have been imposed across a wide area around the national capital ahead of the upcoming BRICS Summit, with non-scheduled flight operations barred at airports within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi for three days.

According to an official Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the restrictions will remain in force from 7 am to 11 pm between September 11 and September 13. The measures are aimed at tightening airspace security as Delhi prepares to host a major gathering of foreign leaders and senior delegations.

The restrictions primarily affect private chartered aircraft and other non-scheduled flights. Regularly scheduled commercial airline services will continue to operate and have been exempted from the ban.

However, special flights carrying foreign dignitaries and their delegations will be permitted to operate, subject to prior clearance. The NOTAM states that such flights will require their flight plans and itineraries to be cleared in advance by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

The exemptions also extend to state-owned aircraft and helicopters carrying governors and chief ministers.

Aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), Border Security Force (BSF) and Aviation Research Centre have also been exempted from the restrictions. Army Aviation helicopters involved in airborne Quick Response Team (QRT) missions will be allowed to operate, while casualty evacuation and immediate medical evacuation flights cleared by the MHA will also remain exempt.

Safdarjung airport to remain closed

As part of the heightened security arrangements, Safdarjung Airport will remain closed during the restricted period. The closure will have limited exemptions, with IAF helicopters deployed for emergency or VIP duties allowed to operate.

BSF and IAF helicopters being used by the National Security Guard (NSG) for immediate backup support will also be permitted to use the airport.

The extensive airspace measures come as Delhi prepares to receive a large number of foreign leaders and official delegations for the BRICS Summit.

Around 35 special aircraft expected in Delhi

Officials said approximately 35 special aircraft, including VVIP flights and chartered aircraft carrying foreign delegations, are expected to arrive in Delhi over the weekend.

The summit is expected to draw around 12 heads of state, making the movement of diplomatic and security aircraft a major logistical challenge for authorities.

September 11 is likely to witness the heaviest movement, with leaders and delegations from Russia, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, Thailand and Nigeria expected to arrive in the national capital.

On September 12, heads of state from Kazakhstan, Vietnam and China are expected to reach Delhi.

To accommodate the additional aircraft, authorities have made arrangements beyond Delhi’s main airport. Noida International Airport, Hindon Airport and Jaipur Airport have been roped in for aircraft parking and handling operations connected to the summit.

Lucknow Airport has also been kept on standby as part of the contingency arrangements.

The restrictions underscore the scale of the security operation surrounding the BRICS gathering, with authorities seeking to maintain tight control over airspace while ensuring uninterrupted movement for scheduled commercial aviation and approved flights carrying foreign leaders and emergency personnel.