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.
September 11 is expected to be the busiest, with delegations and heads of state from Russia, South Africa, Iran, Egypt, Philippines, Abu Dhabi, Ethiopia, Thailand and Nigeria are expected to arrive in the national capital, officials said. Heads of state from Kazakhstan, Vietnam and China are expected on September 12.
