7 flights diverted, airspace briefly shut after drone scare at Amritsar airport

A suspicious drone-like object spotted near Amritsar Airport led to a temporary airspace closure and flight diversions. The incident has triggered a police probe, tighter monitoring and a public awareness drive on drone activity.

In Short

• Seven flights diverted to Delhi and Chandigarh amid security concerns
• Airspace reopened at 11.15 pm after authorities cleared operations
• Police register FIR, probe drone origin, source and possible motives

Seven flights were diverted after multiple suspected drone-like objects were spotted near the operational area of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar late Sunday night, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend flight operations and shut the airspace as a security precaution amid a state of panic.

The airspace remained closed for around one-and-a-half hours before being reopened at 11.15 pm following a security clearance.

According to airport officials, information about the suspicious aerial movement was received at around 9.40 pm. The objects were reportedly noticed close to the runway and other sensitive areas of the airport.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) subsequently halted flight operations and alerted the Punjab Police, CISF and other security agencies.

With the security situation being assessed, seven flights scheduled to land in Amritsar were diverted. Two were sent to Chandigarh, while five were diverted to Delhi.

Among the affected carriers were Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express.

Airport Director Anirudh Kumar said multiple suspected drones were seen hovering around the operational area, leading authorities to take immediate precautionary measures.

The airspace was reopened at approximately 11.15 pm after security agencies assessed the situation and gave clearance for operations to resume.

Airport authorities said five of the diverted flights subsequently reached Amritsar, while one Air India flight was cancelled.

Officials apologised for the disruption but maintained that the temporary suspension was necessary to ensure passenger safety.

The incident has triggered a detailed police investigation, with authorities seeking to establish the origin, number and source of the suspected drones.

Police have registered an FIR against unidentified persons based on information submitted by the airport authorities. Investigators are also examining the direction from which the objects may have approached the airport.

KABADDI TOURNAMENT UNDER LENS

Police are looking into several possible explanations for the drone activity, including whether it could have any connection with a kabaddi tournament being held in the area.

Officials, however, said the tournament was not taking place at the time of the nighttime incident and the possibility would be verified as part of the probe.

The sighting has assumed added significance as Amritsar is a border district and the airport is a sensitive installation.

Authorities are now stepping up surveillance and monitoring drone movements in areas surrounding the airport. A public awareness campaign is also planned, particularly for residents living nearby, urging them to report any suspicious aerial activity promptly.

The district administration has already imposed restrictions on drone operations around the airport.

With flight services restored and the situation currently under control, security agencies are expected to continue examining available inputs and surveillance footage to determine exactly what was seen, where it originated and who was responsible for the activity.

- Ends
With PTI inputs