Independence Day 2023: Restrictions imposed for flights at Delhi airport
On August 15th, non-scheduled flights will be prohibited from landing or taking off at Delhi airport during certain hours in the morning and evening, according to officials as reported by news agency PTI. However, it’s important to note that there will be no disruption to the movement of scheduled flights at the airport on that day.
According to the official statement, non-scheduled flights, including those operated by scheduled airlines and chartered flights, will be restricted from landing or taking off at Delhi airport during specific hours on August 15.
The restriction will be in place from 6 am to 10 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm on that day. This information has been communicated through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) under the purview of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). However, it’s important to note that the NOTAM will not apply to flights operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF), Border Security Force (BSF), and Army Aviation helicopters. This measure is aimed at ensuring the smooth movement of scheduled flights and other essential aviation operations during the specified hours on August 15.
In addition to the mentioned restrictions on non-scheduled flights, certain exceptions have been outlined. State-owned aircraft or helicopters will be allowed to operate with the governor or chief minister of a state onboard. Moreover, besides scheduled flights of designated operators, flights involved in quick response time missions and those dedicated to casualty or immediate medical evacuation will also be granted permission to operate during the specified hours on August 15.
The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) serves as a crucial communication tool, conveying essential information to individuals engaged in flight operations.
As part of ongoing infrastructure upgrades and heightened security measures ahead of Independence Day, the Delhi airport has issued an advisory. Passengers are advised to anticipate longer completion times for formalities within the airport premises due to these activities. Accordingly, travelers are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and stay informed about flight-related updates by staying in touch with their respective airlines.
Furthermore, passengers have the option to utilize the ‘DigiYatra’ facility, which offers a seamless and expedited experience for moving to boarding gates. This contactless solution not only ensures quicker mobility but also enhances security measures, ultimately resulting in a hassle-free travel experience. By adopting the ‘DigiYatra’ process, passengers can save around 15 to 25 minutes of their travel time.
Presently, the ‘DigiYatra’ service has been extended to encompass all departure gates in Terminal 3 and Terminal 2 of the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers, making their journey more efficient and convenient.
In addition, several other prominent airports such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai have also issued advisories to passengers, urging them to avoid large crowds and recommending early arrival at the airports. This extra time is intended to accommodate the necessary check-in and security procedures, which might take longer due to enhanced security measures in place.
These advisories have been issued to ensure the smooth flow of operations and to maintain a secure environment during the heightened security period. Passengers are encouraged to cooperate with airport and security personnel to ensure a safe and efficient travel experience. The collective effort of both travelers and staff plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall efficiency and security of air travel.
Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport took to social media, emphasizing the importance of avoiding overcrowding to ensure the smooth movement of passengers during the heightened security period for Independence Day. They appealed to all visitors to cooperate with these measures in place due to the increased security alert.
Similarly, Chennai airport used their Twitter account to advise passengers to arrive at the airport well in advance. They emphasized the significance of punctuality by stating, “Early is on time, On time is late!” The tweet conveyed that the airport would be under high-security alert from a specific date range and requested passengers to arrive early to ensure a seamless travel experience.
These communications reflect the airports’ commitment to maintaining security and ensuring a hassle-free journey for passengers during this period. By encouraging passengers to adhere to these guidelines and be punctual, the airports aim to mitigate any potential disruptions and provide a safe and efficient travel environment.
