Patna: Passengers flying from Bihar to Delhi are likely to face disruptions in the days leading up to Republic Day, with daily airspace closures at Indira Gandhi International Airport expected to affect flight operations from Patna, Gaya, Purnea and Darbhanga.
According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by aviation authorities, Delhi’s airspace will remain closed every day from 10:20am to 12:45pm between January 21 and January 26. The two-hour-and-25-minute shutdown coincides with one of the busiest operational windows at the airport, raising the likelihood of delays, diversions and rescheduling of flights on the Bihar–Delhi sector.
The temporary suspension of civilian flight operations is required to facilitate rehearsals for the Republic Day parade, including aerial flypasts, defence aircraft manoeuvres and ceremonial processions along Kartavya Path. Airspace restrictions are enforced annually in the run-up to January 26 to ensure the safety and security of participating military aircraft.
Aviation analytics firm Cirium has estimated that more than 600 flights could be affected during the six-day closure period, with ripple effects across northern and eastern India.
Airport officials in Bihar said the impact would be most visible on flights operating to and from Delhi. Services from Patna, Gaya, Purnea and Darbhanga scheduled during the closure window may face delays or be retimed, while flights on other routes are expected to operate as usual.
The director of Purnea Airport, D P Gupta, said the airspace closure would be in effect from January 19 to 26 due to Republic Day rehearsals in the capital. He clarified that only Delhi-bound flights would be affected during this period, while services to other destinations would continue on their normal schedules.
Airlines are expected to inform passengers in advance about any changes, but travellers flying to Delhi from Bihar have been advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and allow extra time for possible delays during the restricted hours.
