Travellers passing through India’s busiest hub should brace for significant disruptions next week. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued on 15 January 2026 confirms that Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) will suspend all take-offs and landings between 10:20 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. each day from 21 to 26 January.
The closure—part of heightened security and air-space management for the Republic Day parade and aerial fly-past—could affect more than 600 flights, according to aviation-data firm Cirium. Airlines are already re-timing services: Air India has advanced its London flight to 8 a.m., while IndiGo is pushing several domestic departures to the late afternoon.
For travellers whose new flight times might push them over visa validity dates—or for companies suddenly rerouting staff through other countries—VisaHQ can smooth the process. The platform’s India desk (https://www.visahq.com/india/) can rush-process fresh e-Visas, secure extensions, or obtain multi-entry permits, with real-time tracking that helps mobility managers stay ahead of paperwork while coping with the airport shutdown.
![Delhi Airport to Halt Flights 10:20–12:45 Daily from 21–26 January for Republic Day Air-Show Rehearsals]()
Global-mobility managers moving project teams or assignees through Delhi during the period should expect cascading delays at connecting hubs such as Doha, Dubai, and Singapore. Carriers will waive change fees for tickets issued before the NOTAM date, but fare differences may apply. Importantly, travellers transiting on separate tickets risk mis-connecting if their inbound flight is held on the ground at origin airports.
The timing overlaps with dense winter fog, which has already contributed to sporadic cancellations this month. Experts recommend booking morning flights that land before 09:30 a.m., or evening services after 14:30 p.m., to minimise disruption. Employers with time-critical mobility moves—such as end-of-month payroll or compliance filings—may consider rerouting staff through Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Security agencies emphasise that the air-space lockdown is non-negotiable and extends to drones; corporates planning marketing shoots or site surveys in the National Capital Region must secure special permits or reschedule.
The closure—part of heightened security and air-space management for the Republic Day parade and aerial fly-past—could affect more than 600 flights, according to aviation-data firm Cirium. Airlines are already re-timing services: Air India has advanced its London flight to 8 a.m., while IndiGo is pushing several domestic departures to the late afternoon.
For travellers whose new flight times might push them over visa validity dates—or for companies suddenly rerouting staff through other countries—VisaHQ can smooth the process. The platform’s India desk (https://www.visahq.com/india/) can rush-process fresh e-Visas, secure extensions, or obtain multi-entry permits, with real-time tracking that helps mobility managers stay ahead of paperwork while coping with the airport shutdown.
Global-mobility managers moving project teams or assignees through Delhi during the period should expect cascading delays at connecting hubs such as Doha, Dubai, and Singapore. Carriers will waive change fees for tickets issued before the NOTAM date, but fare differences may apply. Importantly, travellers transiting on separate tickets risk mis-connecting if their inbound flight is held on the ground at origin airports.
The timing overlaps with dense winter fog, which has already contributed to sporadic cancellations this month. Experts recommend booking morning flights that land before 09:30 a.m., or evening services after 14:30 p.m., to minimise disruption. Employers with time-critical mobility moves—such as end-of-month payroll or compliance filings—may consider rerouting staff through Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Security agencies emphasise that the air-space lockdown is non-negotiable and extends to drones; corporates planning marketing shoots or site surveys in the National Capital Region must secure special permits or reschedule.
