Limited closure of airspace on CWG opening, closing

NEW DELHI - With security a key priority for the Commonwealth Games, the government said Saturday there will be limited closure of the Indian capital’s airspace on the opening and closing days of the Oct 3-14 event, but this will not affect routine commercial flights.

“Delhi airspace will be closed from 5.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m. on Oct 3 and 14, 2010 - the opening and closing days of the Commonwealth Games,” a civil aviation ministry statement said.

“No flight shall be permitted to take off or land at the Delhi airport and other airports within a 300 km zone around it, except routine commercial flights,” the statement added.

Indian Air Force (IAF) and state-owned aircraft will also not be affected, but microlight aircraft and hang gliders will not be permitted in the airspace.

The Safdarjung Airport shall remain closed except for IAF helicopters which may be deployed on emergency duty or VVIP duty, the statement said.