Suspected Drone Sightings Put Amritsar Airport on High Alert; 7 Flights Diverted
Security agencies were put on high alert at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar on Sunday night after suspected drone-like objects were spotted floating near the operational area. In response to the potential security risk, Air Traffic Control (ATC) immediately suspended landing operations and diverted seven inbound flights to Delhi and Chandigarh. The breach was detected around 10:00 PM when unidentified aerial objects were seen flying near the runway and other sensitive zones of the airport. Preliminary reports indicate that the objects appeared to approach from the direction of Rudiala village and remained airborne in the area for several minutes. Upon spotting the activity, ATC issued an immediate alert and halted all landing procedures as a precautionary measure. The disruption impacted both domestic and international air services, resulting in the diversion of seven scheduled incoming flights. Among the diverted aircraft was Malaysia Airlines flight MH-118 from Kuala Lumpur, which was rerouted to Delhi. Two IndiGo flights—6E-5028 from Mumbai and 6E-2045 from Delhi—were diverted to Chandigarh. Furthermore, Air India flights AI-479 and AI-855 from Delhi were turned back to the national capital. International arrivals from Sharjah, including IndiGo flight 6E-1428 and Air India Express flight IX-120, were also redirected to Delhi. The incident prompted a rapid joint security response. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Punjab Police, and central intelligence agencies were placed on prompt alert to evaluate the threat. The intrusion is regarded with heightened seriousness given Amritsar’s status as a border district and the strategic sensitivity of the airport's operational zone. Authorities have not yet officially confirmed whether the objects were commercial drones or other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and their exact source remains under investigation. Officials emphasized that the flight diversions were executed primarily to ensure passenger safety and protect airborne operations from potential risks.
Posted By: Daily Suraj Bureau