Air travel operations linked to Delhi witnessed disruptions on Tuesday after a Notice to Airmen came into force in connection with Republic Day preparations, resulting in the cancellation of two flights to and from Srinagar airport. Officials confirmed that the cancellations were carried out by the respective airlines due to airspace and operational restrictions imposed at Delhi airport as part of the annual security and logistical arrangements ahead of the January 26 celebrations.
Airport authorities said the restrictions are routine during the Republic Day period and are aimed at facilitating security protocols and ceremonial activities associated with the national event. However, the NOTAM led to adjustments in flight schedules, impacting services connected to Srinagar. In response, airport authorities issued a passenger advisory urging travellers to verify the latest status of their flights with the concerned airlines before proceeding to the airport.
Passengers were also advised to remain in touch with airlines regarding rescheduling options or refund procedures to avoid inconvenience. The advisory stated that due to the NOTAM in force at Delhi airport in view of Republic Day arrangements, two flights to and from Srinagar airport were cancelled on Tuesday, and passengers were requested to check flight status prior to travel. Authorities expressed regret over the inconvenience caused.
Officials indicated that flight operations are expected to stabilise once Republic Day-related restrictions are lifted and airspace operations return to normal. Temporary curbs on airspace usage are common during major national events in the capital, particularly around rehearsal days and the main parade, as security agencies coordinate aerial surveillance and restricted flight zones.
Meanwhile, security arrangements across the national capital have been significantly intensified ahead of Republic Day, with multiple agencies working in coordination to maintain a high level of alert. Delhi Police, along with central security agencies, have stepped up preventive measures across the city to deter any potential threats during the celebrations.
As part of the enhanced security posture, posters of most-wanted terrorists have been displayed at prominent public locations, including railway stations, bus terminals and crowded marketplaces. The Delhi Police Special Cell has released details of fugitives linked to various militant organisations, including Khalistan-linked groups, Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent and the Islamic State.
Among those featured prominently is Arshdeep Singh, also known as Arsh Dala, identified by intelligence agencies as the Canada-based chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force and a key conspirator in recent targeted killings. Other individuals named on the posters include Ranjeet Singh Neeta of the Khalistan Zindabad Force and Mohammed Abu Sufyan, who has been linked to Al-Qaeda networks.
Given the heavy daily footfall, security has been reinforced at major railway stations such as New Delhi, Nizamuddin and Anand Vihar. Major bus terminals, including ISBT Kashmiri Gate and the Anand Vihar bus stand, have also been placed under heightened security cover. Authorities said regular announcements are being made through public address systems at these locations to encourage vigilance among commuters.
In addition to transit hubs, security awareness efforts have been extended to busy marketplaces across the capital. Continuous safety messages are being broadcast, and ‘wanted’ posters have been installed in areas such as Sarojini Nagar, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Sadar Bazaar and Paharganj, urging citizens to report any suspicious activity or potential security breach.
To bolster ground-level security, more than 5,800 additional personnel from Central Armed Police Forces, including the Border Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force and Central Industrial Security Force, have been deployed across Delhi. These deployments are aimed at strengthening perimeter security, crowd management and rapid response capabilities.
The Kartavya Path area, the main venue for the Republic Day parade, is under round-the-clock surveillance through an extensive network of closed-circuit television cameras integrated with facial recognition system technology. Officials said specialised anti-drone units and sniper teams have also been positioned on high-rise buildings to counter potential aerial threats, as part of a layered security framework for the celebrations.
Authorities reiterated that the measures are precautionary and essential to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of Republic Day events, while advising the public to cooperate with security personnel and remain alert during the period.
