G20 Summit Spurs Cancellation of 160 Flights at Delhi Airport: There will likely be a cancellation of approximately 160 domestic flights at Delhi airport over the course of three days in September, as airlines have been instructed to reduce aircraft parking to make room for planes associated with the G20 summit on September 9 and 10.
This follows media reports that the airport is struggling to provide sufficient mooring space for the aircraft. Due to the increase in aviation traffic, all 220 parking spaces at the Delhi airport are currently occupied.
G20 Summit Spurs Cancellation of 160 Flights at Delhi Airport: 50 special aircraft will land at the airport in Delhi
More than 50 special aircraft will arrive at Delhi airport for the G20 summit, which will be attended by representatives of approximately 30 nations, including US Vice President Joe Biden, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping.
However, Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which administers the airport, emphasised that the Indira Gandhi International Airport is fully equipped with ample parking space for aircraft during the summit period and assured all travellers of a pleasant journey. It stated that airlines have requested the cancellation of 80 domestic flights departing and as many as 80 domestic flights arriving during the three days beginning September 8 in connection with the global summit that will be held under India’s presidency. This represents only 6% of normal domestic operations.
A DIAL spokesperson stated, “While we are aware that approximately 80 arrivals and 80 departures may be affected by these cancellations, we are committed to working closely with airlines to minimise inconvenience to passengers.”
Instead of parking their aircraft at Delhi airport, airlines say they can keep them at other airports. The aviation ministry has stated that airlines are permitted to park their aircraft at adjacent airports such as Jaipur and Lucknow.
The Delhi Police have been instructed to close numerous roads.
The Lt. Governor of Delhi, VK Saxena, has proclaimed a three-day holiday beginning at midnight on September 8, during which buses and other vehicles will not be permitted on the roads. During this time, only Delhi Metro services will be accessible to the public.
