India has politely turned down a suggestion by Barack Obama's security teams that a 5-km "no-fly zone" be imposed around the majestic Rajpath during the Republic Day parade, which will have the US President as the chief guest for the first time.
A no-fly zone would have led to the customary flypast on January 26 being cancelled. "The US team was told that this was simply not possible," said a source. The US security detail was apparently in touch with the directorate general of civil aviation about the no-fly zone but the proposal was shot down by military authorities.
"In any case, only twin-engine military aircraft and helicopters fly during the Republic Day parade. The actual flypast duration over Rajpath is around 10 minutes. Otherwise, throughout the year there is a no-fly zone over Rashtrapati Bhavan, South and North Blocks, the PM's residence and other nearby places," he added.
17/01/15 Times of India
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A no-fly zone would have led to the customary flypast on January 26 being cancelled. "The US team was told that this was simply not possible," said a source. The US security detail was apparently in touch with the directorate general of civil aviation about the no-fly zone but the proposal was shot down by military authorities.
"In any case, only twin-engine military aircraft and helicopters fly during the Republic Day parade. The actual flypast duration over Rajpath is around 10 minutes. Otherwise, throughout the year there is a no-fly zone over Rashtrapati Bhavan, South and North Blocks, the PM's residence and other nearby places," he added.
17/01/15 Times of India
