Special airspace restrictions for the BRICS Summit came into force in Delhi on Friday, with authorities imposing stringent controls on unscheduled aircraft and other flying activities in and around the National Capital Region as world leaders and high-level delegations arrive for the two-day gathering.
The restrictions, which will remain in place until September 13, cover a radius of up to 300 km around Delhi and are part of a wider security plan for the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit. The measures coincide with heightened security on the ground, traffic diversions and restrictions across several parts of the Capital.
Under the arrangements, unscheduled flight operations are prohibited during specified periods between September 11 and 13. Scheduled commercial flights are largely exempt, meaning regular domestic and international passenger services can continue, though airlines have advised travellers to allow additional time because VVIP movements and traffic restrictions could affect journeys to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Unscheduled flying activities restricted
The restrictions cover charter and other unscheduled operations unless specifically authorised, while light aircraft, microlight aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and several other categories of flying objects face tighter controls within the designated area.
Flying training activities have also been restricted across parts of northern India. Flight training organisations in Delhi and seven states — Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh — face restrictions during the summit period as authorities seek to minimise non-essential aviation activity around the Capital.
Special aircraft carrying foreign leaders and official delegations are permitted to operate with the required clearances. Flights involving the Indian Air Force and other authorised security agencies, as well as specified emergency and medical operations, are also exempt from the general restrictions.
Safdarjung Airport faces particularly stringent restrictions and will remain unavailable for routine operations, barring specifically authorised movements connected with security and other essential requirements.
Delhi airport prepares for VVIP arrivals
The measures come as Delhi airport handles a surge in special aircraft bringing heads of state, government leaders and delegations for the summit. Additional arrangements have been made for aircraft parking, with airports and airfields outside Delhi also prepared to accommodate planes if required.
The Capital is hosting leaders and delegations from the expanded BRICS grouping as well as partner countries. Russian President Vladimir Putin has already arrived in Delhi, while other leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, are expected as diplomatic activity intensifies ahead of the summit.
Authorities have simultaneously imposed extensive ground-security arrangements. Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed, while traffic diversions are in force on several important roads used by VVIP convoys. Commuters have been advised to use the Delhi Metro wherever possible and allow additional time for journeys, particularly towards the airport, central Delhi and diplomatic areas.
The BRICS Leaders’ Summit will be held on September 12 and 13, but the security restrictions began a day earlier to facilitate the arrival and movement of foreign delegations. The special aviation measures are expected to remain in effect through Sunday as leaders depart the Capital after the summit.