Delhi’s BRICS air operation is juggling 35 special aircraft and commercial flights

Around 35 special aircraft are being worked into Delhi’s already busy air traffic for the BRICS Summit, with regular airline schedules adjusted around visiting leaders’ arrivals and departures.

Indira Gandhi International Airport, the Indian Air Force’s Palam technical area, Safdarjung Airport, Hindon Airport and Noida International Airport are part of the wider plan for handling and parking aircraft. Senior visitors use ceremonial arrival facilities, while the highest-level delegations are received through Palam, away from regular passenger terminals.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has restricted non-scheduled flight operations within 300 km of Delhi from September 11 to 13. Scheduled commercial services are exempt, though airlines have adjusted some timings by about 10 to 15 minutes to avoid overlap with special aircraft. When required, an aircraft could be held in the air or temporarily diverted depending on traffic and operational needs.

Light and micro-light aircraft, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, are also restricted within the 300-km zone during the summit. The aviation operation runs alongside the BRICS Summit in New Delhi.