Delhi airspace to partially close on Oct 3 and 14 for CommonWealth Games

Airspace over the national capital would remain partially closed for five hours during the opening and closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games, but domestic and international commercial air operations would not be affected.

The closure would be effective from 5pm to 10pm on October 3 and October 14 -- the opening and closing days of the Commonwealth Games, a civil aviation ministry official said.

Barring routine commercial flights and those of the Indian Air Force, Border Security Force and Aviation Research Centre, no other aircraft would be allowed to take off or land at the Delhi airport and those within a 300km radius, she said.

Flights of microlight aircraft and hang gliders from flying clubs and other airports would be banned during the five-hour period around Delhi on both days.

However, helicopters and aircraft owned by state governments, flying the governors or chief minister within the state, would be allowed after the necessary clearance from the Union home ministry, the official said.

Delhi's Safdarjung airport would also remain closed during this period "except for Indian Air Force helicopters which may be deployed on emergency or VVIP duties", she added.