Flight Stop: Under an important announcement, aircraft movements at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport were halted for about 2.5 hours on Sunday. This temporary suspension was done in preparation for Republic Day celebrations, so that practice sessions of Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter planes could be conducted smoothly. During this time, no commercial flight was allowed to land or take off, due to which about 50 flights had to be rescheduled.
Why did the flight suspension happen?
The reason for this halt of flight operations was the issuance of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen). NOTAM is an official aviation directive that informs pilots and airlines about potential hazards or operational restrictions that could impact flight safety.
In this case, this NOTAM was issued for uninterrupted practice sessions of IAF’s fighter pilots who will perform stunts during the Republic Day parade (26 January).
Stunts and aerial displays for Republic Day demand very precise planning. Pilots have to practise complex maneuvers that depend on perfect adjustments of flight path, altitude, speed and aircraft coordination. During these sensitive exercises, fighter planes fly in close formation, making the airspace highly sensitive. To avoid safety and disruption, the airspace was temporarily closed.
Impact on Passengers and Airlines
Airlines were informed in advance about NOTAM so that they could reschedule their flights outside the restricted timeframe (10:20 AM – 12:45 PM). About 50 flights were affected by this decision, and airlines communicated revised schedules to passengers in advance to minimize inconvenience.
Important Information for Passengers
1. Airlines Communication: Passengers who were travelling during restricted hours were notified of timing changes through email, SMS and other communication channels.
2. Travel Adjustments: Passengers were advised to reconfirm their flight schedules with the airlines and adjust travel plans.
3. Upcoming Restrictions: These temporary halts will continue till Republic Day as practice sessions will be held regularly for flawless aerial performances.
Role of NOTAM in Aviation
NOTAM plays a critical role in aviation safety and efficiency. It provides essential information to pilots about airspace usage, operational hazards or restrictions. In the context of Republic Day, NOTAM reserves airspace exclusively for military aircraft, so that fighter pilots can complete their practice without any interference.
The Journey Ahead
While the entire nation is gearing up to celebrate Republic Day, these temporary disruptions are a small gift for the grand and precise aerial stunts that the Indian Air Force will perform. Passengers should stay informed about flight updates and plan their journeys accordingly.
Airlines and passengers together are contributing to the successful execution of a key national event that showcases the might and capability of India’s defence forces.
