Republic Day 2026: Delhi Airspace to Close for Six Days; Over 600 Flights Impacted

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Travelers using Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) face major delays as officials announced a six-day airspace closure starting 21 January 2026. This daily Republic Day restriction will last 145 minutes, from 10:20 AM to 12:45 PM. 

The pause allows the Indian Air Force to practice their flypast rehearsals. Over 600 flights will be rescheduled or canceled. This move creates a massive logistical issue for airlines and thousands of domestic and international travelers.

A Tight Squeeze: Navigating the New Flight Schedule


The official notice stops all planes from landing or taking off at India's busiest airport during the middle of the day. This time is usually very busy for local flights and trips to Europe. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo only received eight days' notice this year. They are now rushing to change pilot schedules and move aircraft around.

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The weather makes this situation even more difficult as it is currently the peak fog season in North India. Even a small amount of fog during the open hours could cause a "domino effect." If morning flights are delayed by weather, the afternoon closure will make the backlog even worse. Thousands of people could find themselves stuck in the terminal until late at night.

What Are the Long-Term Costs of Republic Day Airspace Restrictions?


Delhi is a main hub for moving medicine and fresh food, so a six-day disruption creates a huge pile of cargo that takes weeks to fix. Businesses lose money when their products sit on the ground for hours.

In the long run, this lack of early planning hurts Delhi's reputation. India wants Delhi to be a global travel hub like Dubai or Singapore. If these closures stay unpredictable, international airlines might choose other cities instead. Six months from now, we may see more cargo and transit traffic moving to Bengaluru or Mumbai. These cities offer more stability during the busy month of January.

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National pride and travel needs must find a better balance. The government should release these flight schedules months in advance. This would let families and businesses plan their trips better. If the aviation industry wants to grow, it must turn these annual events into a smooth routine. A more predictable system would help everyone stay on track and keep the economy moving.