G20 Summit: Ample parking space available for aircraft, says DIAL

Airport operator Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which is a consortium led by the GMR group, said on Saturday that it has received requests from airlines seeking cancellations of 80 departing and arriving domestic flights each for three days starting September 8 in view of the G20 Summit, scheduled to be held in the national capital on September 9-10. 

"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," a DIAL spokesperson said, adding that the decision on cancellations of flights has been taken by airlines possibly in light of traffic restrictions due to the G20 Summit.

The requests for the cancellation of the total 160 flights (80 incoming and outgoing flights each) so far are a mere six per cent of the normal domestic operations at the Delhi airport, which is fully equipped with ample parking space for aircraft, and the restrictions will not cause any impact on international flights, the spokesperson said. 

"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 minimise any inconvenience caused to passengers. Thank you for your understanding, and we remain dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience for all," the spokesperson added.

Leaders from the Group of 20 nations are scheduled to be in attendance at the 18th meeting of the bloc in New Delhi next month. This will be the first-ever G20 summit to take place in India.

The national capital will observe public holidays from September 8 to 10 in view of the G20 Summit. Banks, financial institutions, commercial establishments, educational institutions, government and private offices, and courts, will remain shut during this period, according to an official notification.

The G20 Summit is held annually with a rotating presidency. India holds the G20 presidency from December 1, 2022, to November 30, 2023. 

For India, the G20 presidency also marks the beginning of 'amritkaal', the 25-year period beginning from the 75th anniversary of the country's Independence in 1947.

The theme of India’s G20 Presidency is 'vasudhaiva kutumbakam', meaning 'one earth, one family and one future'.