Restriction on airspace use for R-Day celebrations from January 19

NEW DELHI: The airspace will remain out of bounds for commercial flights arriving and departing out of the IGI airport here for more than an hour every day beginning next week in view of the Republic Day celebrations.

The airlines have already been intimated about the airspace closure through a NOTAM (Notice to airmen), issued by the Airports of Authority of India (AAI), which manages Indian airspace, sources said today.

The NOTAM was issued two days ago, they said.

According to NOTAM, no landing or take-off of any commercial flight will be allowed from the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) here between 1035 hours to 1215 hours from January 19 to 24, 2016 and then again for the same duration on January 26 as well.

On January 26, President Pranab Mukherjee will unfurl the tricolour and take the salute of marching contingents.

French President Francois Hollande will be the chief guest at the parade, which will also be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the country's top political and military brass, among others.

Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is a notice containing information concerning the establishment, condition, or change in any facility, service or procedure, among others, in airspace management.

As many as 60 arrivals and departures take place at the IGIA during the period, for which NOTAM has been issued.

The AAI-GMR run joint venture airport handles 1050 flights per day including international arrivals and departures.