To ensure smooth and timely flight operations during the G20 Summit in New Delhi this weekend, air traffic controllers (ATCOs) will have an additional 10% staff on duty, as confirmed by officials on Friday. This measure involves calling in ATCOs from various stations to work at Delhi airport. The ATCOs are working in three shifts, with two coordinators in each shift to maintain coordination with the control room and other teams.
In light of the Summit, leaves for Delhi ATCOs have been cancelled, with at least 59 ATCOs on duty per shift. The airport is expecting 55 VVIP flights at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, with approximately 60% of VVIPs arriving in Delhi by 7pm. Some flights, notably those from the US, will land at Palam Air Force station. All landings are projected to be completed by Saturday noon.
Dedicated gates and corridors have been arranged for seamless immigration for G20 delegates, with senior officials overseeing summit-related operations. Due to the increased VVIP movement, other flight operations at Delhi airport may experience delays of 20-30 minutes.
Passengers have reported delays and additional security checks at the airport due to air congestion and VVIP movements. Secondary ladder point checks (SLPC) are being conducted by airlines as an additional security measure mandated by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). This involves a secondary frisking of passengers and their hand luggage after clearance from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and just before boarding the aircraft.
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