Thiruvananthapuram Airport to suspend flights for over an hour on these dates: Know the affected timings

Flight operations at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport will be halted for more than an hour every evening from November 27 to December 3, with the airspace being reserved for rehearsals linked to the Navy Operational Demonstration 2025. The airport authority has advised passengers travelling during this period to recheck revised schedules with their airlines, as several services are expected to be rescheduled or delayed. The temporary suspension is part of a week-long preparation ahead of the Indian Navy’s annual display on December 4.

Why flights are being halted this week?

The Indian Navy will stage its Operational Demonstration on December 4 at Shangumugham beach, marking this year’s Navy Day celebrations. The mega event, held previously in Puri and Sindhudurg, showcases the Navy’s frontline sea, air and underwater assets in full-scale manoeuvres. Ahead of the show, rehearsals will take place across the city coastline, requiring restricted airspace for safety.

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The Ministry of Defence has said that the demonstration will highlight the Navy’s readiness across multiple domains and its growing indigenous capabilities under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat drive.

What the airport has announced?

According to the advisory issued on Tuesday, all flights scheduled between 4 pm and 6:15 pm from November 27 to December 3 will remain suspended. Airlines have begun notifying passengers with revised timings.

The airport has urged travellers to arrive only after checking their updated schedule to avoid long waiting hours at the terminal. Authorities have also requested cooperation, saying these restrictions are unavoidable due to national-level security rehearsals.

What to expect during the Navy Day event?

The Navy Day demonstration on December 4 is expected to draw large crowds along the Thiruvananthapuram coastline. Warships, aircraft, special forces teams, submarines, and indigenously built platforms will take part in a coordinated live display. The showcase will underline India's maritime strength and the Navy’s role as a key security partner in the Indian Ocean Region.

Officials said the week-long rehearsals are essential for synchronising movements of sea and air assets before the final event.