Airlines regret last-minute limits as Delhi Airport prepares for the G20 Summit

Airlines have requested the cancellation of 80 leaving and equal numbers of arriving domestic flights over the course of three days beginning on September 8 in connection with the G20 Summit, according to Delhi airport operator The Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL). The airport is fully equipped with enough parking space for aircraft throughout the summit time, according to DIAL, a consortium chaired by the GMR Group.

"We take immense pride in India's role as the host of the G20 Summit 2023. Current news on cancellations of flights has no linkage to the parking of aircraft. We have already provided required parking," DIAL said in a statement. 

Further, it noted that the decision on cancellations of flights has been taken by airlines possibly in light of traffic restrictions due to the G20 Summit.

"So far, we have received requests for cancellation of approximately 80 departing and 80 arriving domestic flights over three days, which is a mere 6 per cent of the normal domestic operations at Delhi Airport. The restrictions will not cause any impact on international flights. 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," the statement said.