From clear skies to ceremonial lounges, red carpet for visitors; Here's how Delhi airport is gearing up for G20

New Delhi: From preparing ceremonial lounges to keeping airspace and terminals free of congestion, India's largest airport is gearing up for the G20 Summit that will see the presence of 19 heads of state.

More than 50 VVIP jets will land at the Delhi airport for the summit.

Three ceremonial lounges have been prepared to receive the heads of state and other VIPs, government officials said. Teams of officials accompanying the leaders will be able to complete the formalities at these lounges and exit the airport from the technical area without affecting the movement of regular passengers.


"The VIPs will land at the technical airport but aircraft and private jets carrying them will be parked at the Delhi airport," an official said. "Special arrangements have been made to park the Air Force One and a few other important aircraft at the Palam Air Force Station."

The government has asked airlines to cancel up to 25% flights on specific hours on September 8, 10 and 11 - when most of the heads of state and other delegates will fly in and fly out - to keep airspace and terminals free of congestion.

Flights will have to be reduced from 12 pm to 12 am on September 8 and from 6 pm on September 10 until 12 pm the next day.

Air India has waived off cancellation charges for people travelling between September 7-11.

Delhi airport has around 220 parking stands, but all are utilised due to the surge in air traffic. The situation is worse because 50 aircraft that are grounded at the airport due to issues with engines and the bankruptcy filing of Go First.

Air Traffic Control (ATC), operated by the Airport Authority of India, on Tuesday issued instructions saying charter aircraft and business jets will not be allowed to land or take-off on those days.

Safdarjung airport will remain closed during this time except for the India Air Force helicopters deployed on emergency or VVIP duties and military helicopters utilised by the National Security Guard providing immediate backup support.

ATC officials said there could be multiple diversions as VVIP flights will be given priority for landing.

Operations of hang gliders, paragliders, paramotors, aero-models, and all types of drones and similar short-range aerial vehicles are not permitted within 100 km around Delhi.