India's DGCA restricts flight training school operations across seven states during BRICS Summit 2026
Why It MattersThe order shows how major diplomatic gatherings in India can trigger multi-state airspace restrictions affecting general aviation, flight training and light aerial vehicle operators well beyond the host city.
India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation has ordered flight training organisations in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh to suspend all flying activities from 7 am on September 11 to 11 pm on September 13, 2026, in connection with the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. The communication, dated September 7, bars any aircraft, including light and microlight aircraft, hang gliders and helicopters, from flying or even starting engines at flight training organisations in those states during the specified period.
Separately, light and microlight aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and similar long-range aerial vehicles are prohibited within a 300-km radius of Delhi for the same period, while hang-gliders, para-gliders, para-motors, aero-models, drones and similar short-range aerial vehicles are banned within 100 km of Delhi. The Directorate of Flying Training described the measures as a "precautionary security arrangement" to ensure the "safe and smooth conduct" of the summit and asked for strict compliance, with the restrictions approved by the competent authority.
