New Delhi [India], January 20: In light of the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, Delhi Airport will experience a temporary suspension of flight arrivals and departures between 10:20 am and 12:45 pm from January 19 to January 26, as stated by an official announcement from Delhi International Airport Limited.
As India gears up for its 75th Republic Day, the Delhi Police have taken measures to prohibit the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms, including paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) in the national capital.
This prohibition will be in effect for 29 days, starting from January 18 and lasting until February 15, unless lifted earlier.
The Delhi Police, in a statement, expressed concerns about potential threats posed by certain criminal or anti-social elements or terrorists inimical to India. They emphasized the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms like para-gliders, para-motors, hang gliders, UAVs, UASs, micro-light aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-sized powered aircraft, quadcopters, or even para-jumping from aircraft.
Sanjay Arora, Commissioner of Police, Delhi, invoked section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973, along with the Ministry of Home Affairs’ notification, to issue the prohibition. The order covers the flying of sub-conventional aerial platforms and their online sale in the National Capital Territory of Delhi during the Republic Day Function-2024. Violation of this order is punishable under section 188 of the Indian Penal Code.
Given the challenge of individually serving notice to all concerned parties, the order has been passed ex-parte. It will be disseminated to the public through the press and by affixing copies on the Notice Boards of various offices.
This order is effective from January 18, 2024, and will remain in force for 29 days, concluding on February 15, 2024, unless withdrawn earlier.
