2 days ago
BRICS Summit Airspace Curbs Allow Scheduled Delhi Flights
Delhi is hosting the BRICS Summit from September 11 to 13, 2026.
Because many important leaders are visiting, authorities are adding extra security in the skies.
Regular passenger flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport are expected to keep operating.
Special flights carrying summit leaders can also fly if they receive approval.
Other aircraft may be stopped or may need security clearance.
Safdarjung Airport will mostly close, and Rohini Helipad will close completely.
Some flying schools and recreational aircraft in several states will also be restricted.
Roads and some train services may be disrupted, but Delhi Metro services are expected to remain unaffected.
Special airspace restrictions will apply from September 11 to 13, 2026, within 300 kilometers of New Delhi.
Regular scheduled flights at Indira Gandhi International Airport may continue, while non-scheduled flights face restrictions from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Special flights carrying summit dignitaries may operate after advance approval, alongside specified military, security, emergency and state-government flights.
Scheduled flights and overflights must meet FL290 altitude requirements at least 200 kilometers from Delhi during ascent and descent.
Safdarjung Airport and Rohini Helipad face closures, while road, rail and traffic changes are expected but Delhi Metro services will continue.
- Who
- The Airports Authority of India, aviation and security authorities, summit delegations, airlines, passengers and Delhi commuters are affected.
- What
- Temporary airspace, airport, road and railway restrictions will be imposed during the BRICS Summit, while permitted scheduled flights continue.
- Where
- Within a 300-kilometer radius of New Delhi, including Indira Gandhi International Airport, Safdarjung Airport and Rohini Helipad; some flying-training restrictions extend across seven states.
- When
- The main restrictions run from September 11 to 13, 2026; some flight restrictions apply from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
- Why
- The measures are intended to protect visiting leaders and delegations and manage VVIP movements during the summit.
Broad Restriction Interpretation
Scheduled-Flight Clarification
Whether Delhi flights are broadly suspended
Broad Restriction Interpretation
One report describes the advisory as barring take-offs and landings at IGI and other airports within 300 kilometers, except for specified categories.
Scheduled-Flight Clarification
Other reports clarify that normal scheduled airline flights at IGI may continue, with restrictions primarily targeting non-scheduled and unauthorized operations.
Approval requirements for special flights
Broad Restriction Interpretation
Special flights carrying summit dignitaries are permitted only after their flight plans receive advance approval from air traffic control or relevant security authorities.
Scheduled-Flight Clarification
The approved flights are treated as scheduled movements under the advisory, distinguishing them from other non-scheduled aircraft that require prior security clearance.
Key facts
- Summit venue
- Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
- Restriction period
- September 11–13, 2026
- Restricted hours
- Non-scheduled and specified flying activities are restricted from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Airspace coverage
- A 300-kilometer radius around Delhi
- IGI operations
- Regular scheduled commercial flights may continue taking off and landing
- Altitude requirement
- Scheduled aircraft must reach or remain at FL290 until at least 200 kilometers from Delhi when climbing or descending
- Airport closures
- Safdarjung Airport will be closed except for specified helicopter operations; Rohini Helipad will be fully closed
- Ground transport
- Traffic diversions and railway changes are expected, while Delhi Metro services are reported to remain unaffected
Quotes
Directorate General of Civil Aviation
India’s civil aviation regulator, whose communication sets flying-training restrictions during the summit
“no aircraft including light/micro-light aircraft, hang gliders, helicopters, etc.”
financialexpress.com
Sources
BRICS Summit 2026: Delhi airspace curbs tighten as flight restrictions begin – What it means for IGI passengers
Delhi airspace restrictions during BRICS — What flyers need to know - Airlines/Aviation News
BRICS Summit: AAI announces airspace restrictions; non-scheduled flights barred from 11-13 Sept at Delhi's IGI airport
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