Srinagar International Airport cancelled three Delhi-bound flights on 19 January after Delhi’s airspace was temporarily shut between 10:20 and 12:45 IST for Republic-Day fly-past rehearsals. The Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) affects non-scheduled movements until 25 January, with further restrictions planned for the 26th parade.(asianmail.in)
While the closures are routine, this year they coincide with peak winter-tourism traffic to Kashmir. Hoteliers reported dozens of last-minute itinerary changes as passengers scrambled to rebook via evening departures.
![Delhi airspace closure for Republic-Day rehearsal cancels Srinagar sectors]()
Airlines have waived change fees but offered limited reaccommodation options because narrow-body utilisation is stretched during the busy season. Business travellers shuttling between Srinagar and Delhi—particularly government contractors and hydro-power consultants—face missed same-day connections onward to Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Aviation analysts say India remains one of the few large markets still using complete airspace blocks for ceremonial rehearsals; most countries employ time-based flow-controls that allow limited civil operations. Industry groups have urged the Ministry of Defence and DGCA to adopt similar risk-based models to minimise economic impact.
Until reforms materialise, corporates should anticipate annual mid-January disruption on North-South routes and build contingency days into project timelines.
While the closures are routine, this year they coincide with peak winter-tourism traffic to Kashmir. Hoteliers reported dozens of last-minute itinerary changes as passengers scrambled to rebook via evening departures.
Airlines have waived change fees but offered limited reaccommodation options because narrow-body utilisation is stretched during the busy season. Business travellers shuttling between Srinagar and Delhi—particularly government contractors and hydro-power consultants—face missed same-day connections onward to Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Aviation analysts say India remains one of the few large markets still using complete airspace blocks for ceremonial rehearsals; most countries employ time-based flow-controls that allow limited civil operations. Industry groups have urged the Ministry of Defence and DGCA to adopt similar risk-based models to minimise economic impact.
Until reforms materialise, corporates should anticipate annual mid-January disruption on North-South routes and build contingency days into project timelines.
Source: Asian Mail
