The Airports Authority of India ( AAI ) has notified airspace restrictions around New Delhi ahead of the Brics Summit, barring non-scheduled flight operations from 7am to 11pm from September 11 to 13, people familiar with the matter said.
Commercial airline flights operating on regular schedules will be exempt from the ban. Special flights carrying foreign dignitaries and their delegations will also be permitted to land and take off, provided their flight plans and itineraries receive advance clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Non-scheduled flight operations will not be permitted at all airports within a 300-kilometre radius of the national capital, from 7am to 11 pm between September 11 and 13, according to the official notice to air missions (Notam).
State-owned aircraft and helicopters carrying a governor or chief minister of a state have also been exempted, the Notam said. It said the Safdarjung airport will remain closed, except for IAF helicopters deployed for emergency or VIP duties and BSF or IAF helicopters used by the National Security Guard (NSG) for immediate backup support.
High-Profile Arrivals Anticipated for Brics Summit in Delhi
Approximately 35 special aircraft, including VVIP flights and charter planes, are set to arrive in Delhi this weekend for the Brics Summit. Officials anticipate participation from around 12 heads of state. September 11 is expected to be particularly busy, with delegations from Russia, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, Thailand, and Nigeria arriving in the national capital. Heads of state from Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and China are scheduled to arrive on September 12.
