Ahead of the G20 summit, traffic and flight operations at Delhi airport is set to be hit adding to the woes of the commuters. Over 150 domestic flights to and from Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport have been cancelled between September 8 -10 due to traffic restrictions.
According to Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates IGI, in connection with the G20 summit various airlines requested for cancellation of around 80 departing and arriving domestic flights.
However, there will be no impact on international flights, said DIAL.
"We take immense pride in India's role as the host of the G20 Summit 2023. Current news on cancellations of flight has no linkage to parking of aircraft. We have already provided the required parking,” clarified DIAL in a statement.
It also added that the decision on cancellation of flights have been taken by airlines in light of traffic restrictions due to the summit.
“While we recognise that approximately 80 arrivals and 80 departures may be affected due to these cancellations, we are committed to working closely with airlines to minimize any inconvenience caused to passengers,” said a statement from DIAL.
Cancelled flights account to only 6 percent of the normal domestic operations at the airport, it added.
Modi to address B20 summit
PM Modi will be addressing the B20 summit in Delhi on Sunday. “At 12 noon tomorrow, 27th August, I will be addressing the B20 Summit India 2023. This platform is bringing together a wide range of stakeholders working in the business world. It is among the most important G20 Groups, with a clear focus on boosting economic growth,” tweeted Modi.
The B20 India Communique includes 54 recommendations and 172 policy actions for submission to G20, it said.
B20 is the official G20 dialogue forum with the global business community. B20 is among the most significant groups in G20 with companies and business organisations as participants.
Meanwhile, Delhi Traffic Police is conducting a two-day carcade rehearsals in the national capital. An advisory has been released by the police as traffic along the stretches including Sardar Patel Marg-Panchsheel Marg, Sardar Patel Marg-Kautilya Marg, 11 Murti, Roundabout Teen Murti, Rounabout Gol Methi, Zakir Hussain Marg-Subramaniam Bharti Marg, Mathura Road, Tolstoy Marg-Janpath, and Vivekanand Marg is to be affected.
The residents in Delhi was informed that the traffic will be restricted in the national capital ahead of the summit. Due to security reasons, only those with identity cards will be allowed to enter Lutyens’ Zone.
Officials also advised that travellers should check flight availability and the status of their flights during the summit before planning any travel.