Suspicious Drone Activity Near Amritsar Airport Disrupts Flights
Suspicious drone sightings near Amritsar Airport led to the diversion of three flights and a temporary halt in runway operations.
Amritsar, October 12 (Daily Kiran) : Late on Sunday night, three unidentified drones were spotted near Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International Airport in Amritsar, Punjab. This prompted the diversion of three incoming flights and a brief suspension of runway operations.
Around 9:30 PM, personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) stationed at the airport reported seeing two to three unknown objects flying at a high altitude. Considering their suspicious nature, they immediately alerted the control room, leading to precautionary measures that temporarily affected air traffic.
As a result, at approximately 9:32 PM, three flights headed for Amritsar were redirected to alternate airports. The affected flights included Air India, Indigo, and Malaysia Airlines. Specifically, Air India flight AI-855 from Delhi was sent back, while Indigo flight 6E-5028 from Mumbai was rerouted to Chandigarh. Additionally, Malaysia Airlines flight MH-118 from Kuala Lumpur was diverted to Delhi.
The manager at Chandigarh Airport confirmed the route change for Indigo flight 6E-5028, which arrived in Chandigarh around 10:30 PM and subsequently departed for Amritsar at 11:25 PM.
Following the reports of drone activity, security protocols at the airport were reassessed. Authorities are currently investigating the nature of the objects and the circumstances surrounding their flight.
This incident is reminiscent of similar drone sightings near Amritsar Airport in August, which also caused flight disruptions. In light of recent events, airport security and vigilance regarding air traffic have been heightened once again.
