The US government has requested for a no-fly zone over Delhi’s ITC Maurya hotel where President Barack Obama will stay during his three-day visit to India starting January 25, sources told HT.
Sources said a request has been received to declare the airspace over the hotel as being out-of-bounds from January 24-28. The US government also wants the airspace over Taj Mahal in Agra to be declared a no-fly zone on January 27.
The request also mentions declaring “restricted operating zones” in Delhi depending upon the US President’s movements during his stay. The aviation ministry, sources said, will issue a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to intimate airlines, both scheduled and non-scheduled operators, and other stakeholders if it decides to restrict flight movements.
Sources said the US government also wants restrictions on movements of low-flying small aircrafts, parachutes, gliders and air ambulances - asking for “at least at a distance of ten nautical miles,” said an official source.
Obama, who will be accompanied by a large business delegation, will be chief guest for the Republic Day function. The US President arrives in Delhi on January 25. “A no-fly zone over vital installations and the area around Rashtrapati Bhawan, North and South Blocks already exists. A decision on this request will be taken very shortly,” said an official, who did not wish to be named.
{{/usCountry}}Obama, who will be accompanied by a large business delegation, will be chief guest for the Republic Day function. The US President arrives in Delhi on January 25. “A no-fly zone over vital installations and the area around Rashtrapati Bhawan, North and South Blocks already exists. A decision on this request will be taken very shortly,” said an official, who did not wish to be named.
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