Amritsar (Gurpreet Singh): Security was stepped up at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar after unidentified flying objects were reportedly noticed close to the runway late Sunday night, prompting an immediate response from airport authorities and security agencies.
The alert was raised at around 10 pm, when Air Traffic Control personnel observed what appeared to be drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-like objects moving near the airport’s operational zone.
As the objects were seen in the vicinity of the runway, authorities temporarily stopped the landing of incoming aircraft as a precaution. Seven flights bound for Amritsar were subsequently diverted, with passenger and aircraft safety taking priority.
Objects reportedly approached from Rudala side
According to preliminary reports, the flying objects appeared to approach the airport from the direction of Rudala village. They were reportedly seen hovering over or around the runway and other sensitive portions of the airport area before the security response was intensified.
The incident has drawn particular attention because of Amritsar’s location close to the India-Pakistan international border, making any unidentified aerial activity near the airport a matter of heightened security concern.
CISF, Punjab Police mobilise
Following the ATC alert, personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Punjab Police and other security agencies moved into action.
Security checks and surveillance were increased both inside the airport premises and in adjoining areas. Authorities also took steps to ensure that aircraft movements were managed safely while the suspicious activity was being assessed.
The diversion of flights was carried out as a precautionary measure to eliminate any potential risk to aircraft operating in the area.
Probe underway to identify flying objects
It has not yet been conclusively established whether the objects spotted near the airport were drones. Security agencies are examining the incident and trying to determine the nature and source of the aerial activity.
Officials are also reviewing the circumstances surrounding the sighting and assessing whether there was any deliberate attempt to enter or monitor the airport’s restricted airspace.
For now, security personnel remain on alert around the airport, with surveillance measures tightened following the incident. Further details are expected once the ongoing investigation establishes what the unidentified objects were and where they originated.
