Jet set rush for F1 clogs parking bays at IGI

The huge rush for Formula One's first race in India slowed down the pace at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport for a brief while on Sunday. Airport officials said more than 40 private planes landed at the airport, halting air traffic for a while. Faizan Haider reports.

The huge rush for Formula One's first race in India slowed down the pace at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) for a brief while on Sunday. Airport officials said more than 40 private planes landed at the airport, halting air traffic for a while.

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"Terminal 1 was being used for all private aircraft movements, but the parking got full there. Some planes were then diverted to T2 and T3. Though there was a proper arrangement to handle all private aircraft, parking did become an issue for a short period," said an airport source.

From Shah Rukh Khan to Sachin Tendulkar, all those who came in private aircraft were heading to Greater Noida.

"The air traffic congestion peaked in the afternoon with many VIP planes queuing up for landing at the airport," said the official.

The rush was seen again as many VIPs went straight to the airport after the finale. Tendulkar was the first to leave the city.

"He left in a private plane. There were 11 passengers with him, including his wife and children," the official added.

The officials, however, were ready this time.

"The added movement was handled properly," a Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) spokesperson said.

DIAL was in constant touch with the Formula One organisers since December last year.