Air traffic curbs in view of the arrival of delegates for the G20 summit in Delhi next week have kept domestic airlines and the city’s airport officials on their toes, with some blaming last-minute diktats for causing avoidable inconvenience.

Airlines have informed the Delhi international airport about the cancellation of close to 160 domestic flights as a result of restrictions, which extend to roadside traffic, due to the high-security event on September 9 and 10.

The civil aviation ministry last week ordered airlines to restrict the number of flights between September 8 and 10 at the Delhi airport to make ample space for the G20 flights. Additionally, the Delhi Police last week said that road travel to the airport would be affected from September 8 to 10. The police advised people to use the Delhi Metro’s Airport Express for hassle-free movement.

According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, the Delhi international airport is slated to operate 3,497 flights during September 8-10.

Meanwhile, the Centre has also instructed the Hindon airport which has not been handling any commercial flights since January this year to be prepared in case the landing of any VIP flight has to be shifted due to scarcity of parking spots at Delhi airport.