The is bringing tighter security not only to Delhi’s roads but also to its skies.
Special airspace restrictions are set to apply from 11 September to 13 September as hosts the BRICS Summit, with security rules affecting flying activities within a 300-km radius of the capital, according to people familiar with the security advisory.
For airline passengers, however, there is an important distinction: Delhi’s is not shutting down for regular commercial flights.
Normal scheduled airline flights will be permitted to take off and land during the restriction period. Regular commercial passengers, therefore, should not interpret the security measures as a blanket suspension of flights at IGI Airport.
Special flights carrying BRICS dignitaries and associated movements will also be permitted, provided their flight plans receive advance approval from . These flights will be treated as scheduled movements under the advisory.
The restrictions primarily tighten access for aircraft and flying operations that do not fall under the permitted categories.
The wider measures come as prepares for the arrival and movement of foreign leaders and delegations attending the summit. The gathering is being held at Bharat Mandapam, with an extensive security operation in place across the capital.
Apart from normal scheduled airline operations, the advisory permits flights operated by the Indian Air Force, and Aviation Research Centre.
Army helicopters undertaking quick-response operations or emergency medical evacuation missions will also be allowed.
State government aircraft and helicopters carrying a Governor or Chief Minister are among the exempted categories as well.
Any flight not included in the permitted list will require prior security clearance from the , according to the advisory.
The restrictions also apply to flights operating through the broader 300-km zone around Delhi.
Regular scheduled flights and overflights can continue on their normal routes, but they must comply with specified altitude requirements while approaching or departing the area.
Aircraft climbing near the zone must reach Flight Level 290 — around 29,000 feet — by the time they are 200 km from Delhi.
Similarly, aircraft descending must not begin descending from Flight Level 290 until they are at least 200 km away from the capital.
The rules are designed to allow scheduled airline operations and overflights to continue while tightening the security framework around the .
Safdarjung Airport will remain closed during the security period, except for specified IAF helicopters undertaking emergency or VIP duties and certain and helicopter operations connected with the National Security Guard.
Rohini Helipad, meanwhile, will remain fully closed.
The measures add to a broader aviation security plan for the summit. Publicly reported restrictions have also placed limits on other forms of flying activity, including certain light aircraft and unmanned aerial operations around Delhi during the high-security period.
For most airline passengers, the bigger challenge may not be whether their flight can take off or land. It may be getting to the airport.
Delhi is already facing extensive traffic restrictions, diversions and temporary stoppages linked to VVIP movement during the summit. A flight may be operating on schedule, but a passenger could still face delays reaching the terminal because of road closures or diversions.
Travellers should check their airline’s latest flight status before leaving, allow substantially more time than usual for the journey and monitor official and airport advisories.
The message for passengers is relatively straightforward: commercial flights are permitted to operate, but the summit security operation means both the journey to the airport and movement through Delhi could require considerably more planning than usual.
