Ottawa city councillors were briefed Tuesday on the tight security and traffic measures that will be in place when U.S. President Barack Obama is in the nation's capital for his first official trip abroad.

Obama is expected to arrive in Ottawa at 10:30 a.m. ET Thursday, and will be in the city for about six hours.

When his flight lands and takes off from Ottawa International Airport, a team of police and intelligence experts warned councillors, the air space above Ottawa will be closed.

"I strongly encourage the public not to come in search of a glimpse of Ottawa's special guest," said Krista Kealey, who works with the airport authority.

She warned that travellers and Obama fans won't have any opportunity to catch a glimpse of the newly minted president at the airport.

The airport is telling travellers to call the airlines 24 hours ahead of their trips for information about any possible delayed flights.

But experts also warned councillors that Obama's presence will affect the city at the street level.

Some roads will be closed, they said, and traffic might be diverted.

'Great planning team in place'

"We're planning for large crowds," says Ottawa police Supt. Charles Bordeleau. "And we anticipate the crowds will be mostly positive, but we still have a requirement to provide the highest level of security."

Officers from both York Region and the London, Ont., police departments will be in Ottawa to help tighten security, he said, but Ottawa police are already setting the stage.

He says they've asked local businesses to report graffiti and continue to brief Ottawa residents on what they can expect during Obama's visit.

If Obama's motorcade travels to Parliament Hill, said Bordeleau, fans and residents should note that the route won't be disclosed.

"I've got a great planning team in place," says Bordeleau, "and all the members and civilians assigned to working this visit are excited for Thursday."

Road closures begin at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, and include Wellington and Elgin streets, Sussex and Colonel By drives.