Special aviation security measures have been imposed across Delhi and surrounding areas in connection with the BRICS Summit 2026, affecting flight operations from Friday, September 11, through Sunday, September 13. According to sources, the restrictions came into force at 1:30 AM UTC, or 7:00 AM IST, on September 11 and will remain effective until 5:30 PM UTC, or 11:00 PM IST, on September 13.

Under the special rules, take-offs and landings at Indira Gandhi International Airport and other airports within a 300-km radius of Delhi will be limited to approved categories. Normal scheduled airline services are among the flights permitted to operate during the restricted period. Passengers should closely monitor official airline updates, as enhanced security arrangements and air-traffic controls could affect individual flight schedules.

Regular scheduled airline flights can continue operating during the security period. Special aircraft carrying BRICS dignitaries and associated delegations will also be permitted, provided their flight plans receive advance approval from Air Traffic Control. Once approved, the special summit flights will be treated as scheduled operations. Flights operated by the Indian Air Force, Border Security Force and Aviation Research Centre are also included among the exempted categories.

Army helicopters carrying out quick-response operations or emergency medical evacuations will be allowed to fly. State government aircraft and helicopters transporting a Governor or Chief Minister can also operate within the restricted zone. Any aircraft that does not fall under the approved categories will require prior security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. The rules are intended to strengthen aviation security during the high-profile international summit in New Delhi.

Scheduled passenger flights and aircraft passing over the region may continue to use their normal routes, but they will be subject to specific altitude requirements within the 300-km zone around Delhi.

According to the operational directions cited by sources, departing aircraft must reach Flight Level 290, or FL290, by the time they are 200 km away from Delhi. FL290 represents an altitude of approximately 29,000 feet under standard pressure conditions.

Aircraft approaching Delhi must begin descending from FL290 only when they are at least 200 km away from the city. These requirements are expected to help air-traffic authorities maintain a controlled security layer while allowing scheduled commercial operations to continue. Airlines and pilots will be required to coordinate with ATC and comply with all applicable routing, altitude and security instructions during the restricted period.

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Safdarjung Airport will remain closed throughout the notified security period. Limited exceptions will apply to Indian Air Force helicopters involved in emergency or VIP duties and certain BSF or IAF helicopters supporting National Security Guard operations.

Rohini Helipad will remain completely closed, according to sources. Other airports located within the 300-km radius will also be governed by the special restrictions, with only approved flights allowed to take off or land.

The measures could influence charter services, private aircraft and unscheduled aviation operations more directly than regular commercial flights. Operators outside the permitted categories must secure Home Ministry approval before entering or operating within the protected airspace.

The restrictions do not amount to a complete shutdown of Delhi airport because regular scheduled airline services are permitted. However, passengers travelling between September 11 and 13 should verify their departure times, terminal information and flight status directly with their airlines.

Additional security procedures, airspace management requirements or movements involving summit delegations could lead to operational adjustments. Travellers should arrive at the airport early and rely on official airline or airport notifications rather than unverified social-media messages. The temporary measures form part of the broader security arrangements for the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Normal airspace operations are expected to resume after the restrictions end at 11:00 PM IST on Sunday, September 13.