Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Air traffic at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar was disrupted late Sunday night after multiple suspected drone-like objects were noticed near the airport’s operational area, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend flight operations and divert seven incoming flights.
The incident was reported at around 10 pm, when suspicious flying objects were detected close to the runway. Given the potential risk to aircraft, the Air Traffic Control (ATC) authorities halted landing operations as a precautionary measure.
Seven flights diverted amid security alert
Officials said seven flights that were scheduled to land at Amritsar had to be diverted. Five were sent to Delhi, while two were diverted to Chandigarh. The affected services included flights operated by Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express.
The airport remained closed to flight operations for roughly 90 minutes, with authorities closely monitoring the situation before allowing normal activity to resume.
Security agencies alerted
The suspected drone movement triggered an immediate security response. Punjab Police and other central security agencies were informed, while officials assessed whether the flying objects posed any direct threat to aircraft or airport infrastructure.
The incident also led to the activation of the prescribed protocol for suspected drone sightings around an airport. Authorities are now examining the circumstances surrounding the movement of the objects and working to establish their source.
Investigation underway
Five of the diverted flights were subsequently able to return to Amritsar after the situation was reviewed and no further drone activity was reported. The episode has once again highlighted the aviation and security concerns associated with unauthorised drone activity close to sensitive airport installations.
Officials said further investigation will determine the nature of the objects spotted near the airport and whether any violation of aviation safety regulations took place. The situation remains under scrutiny as security agencies work to establish the complete sequence of events.
