India

DGCA Halts Flight Training in UP and Neighbouring States for BRICS Summit Security

By PTI

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ordered Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) in Uttar Pradesh to suspend all flying activities for three days as part of heightened security arrangements during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. According to a DGCA communication addressed to all FTOs, the restrictions will be effective from 7 am on September 11 to 11 pm on September 13, coinciding with the BRICS Summit-2026 in the national capital. The directive states that no aircraft—including light and micro-light planes, hang gliders, and helicopters—will be allowed to take off from any FTO located in Uttar Pradesh during this period. The same restrictions will apply to FTOs in Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, as outlined in the communication dated September 7. The DGCA confirmed that the measures were approved by the competent authority in view of the summit. In addition, the operation of light and microlight aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other long-range aerial vehicles has been banned within a 300-kilometre radius of Delhi during the same timeframe. A further restriction bars the use of hang-gliders, para-gliders, para-motors, aero-models, and all types of drones or similar short-range aerial vehicles within 100 kilometres of the capital. The Directorate of Flying Training, in an accompanying email, described the measures as precautionary security arrangements aimed at ensuring the “safe and smooth conduct” of the BRICS Summit-2026. It urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully and strictly comply with the instructions. The 18th BRICS Summit is scheduled to take place at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from September 11 to 13.