Travelling to Delhi during the BRICS Summit? Here’s what to know about airport, train travel, traffic restrictions and diversions.
Delhi is preparing to host the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit from September 11 to 13, 2026, and travellers visiting or passing through the capital during this period are being advised to plan their journeys carefully.
The summit will be held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, bringing international leaders, official delegations and enhanced security arrangements to the city. As a result, several major roads are expected to experience traffic restrictions, diversions and temporary route changes.
For passengers travelling to Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station or Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station, these restrictions could mean longer travel times.
The major traffic and security arrangements are expected from September 11 to September 13, coinciding with the BRICS Summit.
Delhi Traffic Police has identified more than 35 roads for traffic control and around 22 diversion points to manage the movement of international dignitaries and security convoys.
The exact restrictions may change depending on the movement of VIP convoys and security requirements. Travellers should therefore check the latest traffic updates before beginning their journey.
If you have a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport during the summit weekend, reaching the airport on time should be your top priority.
Road diversions and temporary restrictions could significantly increase travel time, particularly on routes passing through central and south Delhi.
The Delhi Traffic Police has advised passengers to consider the Delhi Metro wherever possible to avoid road congestion.
The traffic restrictions could also affect passengers travelling to Delhi's major railway stations.
Travellers heading to New Delhi Railway Station, Old Delhi Railway Station and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station may need to use alternative routes depending on traffic conditions.
If you have a train departure between September 11 and 13, reaching the station well in advance is recommended. Road diversions could make what is normally a short journey considerably longer.
Several important roads and corridors in central and south Delhi are expected to see regulated traffic or diversions.
These include areas around:
Other roads may also be affected depending on the movement of dignitaries and security convoys.
Travellers should avoid assuming that a particular route will remain open throughout the day, as restrictions can change according to security requirements.
For people travelling within Delhi during the summit, the Metro is likely to be a more predictable option than road transport.
While road traffic may be temporarily diverted during VIP movements, Metro services are expected to continue operating.
Passengers travelling towards the airport or moving between different parts of the city can therefore consider the Metro wherever it is convenient.
Buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws may face delays or route changes when roads are temporarily restricted.
Weather conditions could also add to travel delays during the summit weekend.
Rain and thunderstorms are expected to be another factor for travellers, particularly on September 12 and 13. Wet roads combined with traffic diversions could result in longer journey times.
If you have a flight, train or important appointment, keeping an additional time buffer is advisable.
Travellers with existing hotel bookings or sightseeing plans do not necessarily need to cancel their Delhi trips because of the summit.
However, visitors should be prepared for temporary road restrictions, security checks and longer travel times.
Tourists planning to visit attractions in or around central Delhi should check traffic conditions before leaving their hotel. Using public transport, particularly the Metro, may be more convenient for some journeys.
It is also advisable to avoid unnecessary travel through areas where security restrictions are in place.
The BRICS Summit-related traffic restrictions do not automatically mean that flights from Delhi Airport will be cancelled.
The main concern for air passengers is reaching the airport on time.
Travellers should continue to check their flight status with their respective airlines and allow significantly more time for their journey to IGI Airport.
If you are travelling to or around Delhi during the BRICS Summit, keep these points in mind:
Flying from Delhi: Leave early and consider using the Metro for part of your journey.
Taking a train: Reach New Delhi, Old Delhi or Hazrat Nizamuddin station well before departure.
Travelling by road: Check the latest diversion routes before leaving.
Using taxis or autos: Expect possible delays and temporary route changes.
Sightseeing: Check traffic conditions before visiting busy areas.
Weather: Keep additional buffer time in case rain affects road conditions.
Important journeys: Avoid relying on usual Google Maps travel-time estimates alone during VIP movements.
Delhi's BRICS Summit preparations are expected to bring tighter security and traffic management across several important parts of the capital from September 11 to 13, 2026.
For travellers, the key is to plan ahead and allow extra time. Airport and railway passengers should avoid last-minute departures, while tourists should check traffic conditions before heading out.
The Delhi Metro can be a useful alternative to road travel, especially when temporary diversions are in place.
If you're catching a flight or train during the summit weekend, the safest approach is simple: leave early, check the latest advisory and keep a backup route in mind.
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