Flight Disruptions Likely as Delhi IGI Airport to Suspend Operations Daily from January 21–26

Heightened Republic Day Security To Temporarily Halt Flights at Peak Hours

Flight operations at Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi will be temporarily suspended each day between 10:20 am and 12:45 pm from January 21 to January 26, 2026, as part of enhanced security arrangements for Republic Day celebrations.

The daily closure coincides with one of the airport’s busiest operating windows, when a high volume of domestic arrivals connects to afternoon departures to Europe and other Indian cities. Airlines have been advised that several flights may be cancelled, while others will operate on revised departure and arrival schedules during this period.

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 600 flights could be disrupted over the six-day period. In some cases, passengers may be rebooked on alternative services, adding to operational challenges for airlines managing peak winter travel demand.

The temporary suspension of flight movements is being implemented to ensure safety during Republic Day rehearsals, ceremonial drills and the annual flypast, while also safeguarding aircraft operations and visiting officials.

Both domestic and international flights are expected to be affected, with services to destinations such as Toronto, Washington, Tashkent, Kathmandu and Colombo likely to experience delays or schedule adjustments.

The situation may be further compounded by winter fog, which frequently impacts flight operations in Delhi during this time of year. On days with low visibility, airlines will be required to manage a high number of flights within a reduced operational window, increasing the risk of congestion and passenger inconvenience.