Amritsar Airport News: Seven Flights Diverted After Drone Scare Near Runway
Amritsar Airport News
A security alert was triggered at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar on Sunday evening after suspicious flying objects, believed to be drones, were spotted near the airport runway and other sensitive areas.
According to preliminary information, around two to four suspicious drones or objects resembling drones were seen in the operational area of the airport at around 10 pm on September 7. The sighting created a security concern because the objects were reportedly close to the runway and other important airport facilities.
After the suspicious activity was noticed, Air Traffic Control (ATC) issued an alert and security agencies were placed on high alert. Authorities immediately started taking precautionary measures to protect aircraft operations and ensure the safety of passengers, crew members and airport staff.
The flying objects were reportedly seen approaching the airport from the direction of Rajala village. They allegedly hovered over the runway and other sensitive locations for several minutes.
Any unidentified flying object near an airport can create a serious safety concern because it may interfere with aircraft taking off or landing. As a result, authorities acted quickly after the sighting and took steps to reduce the risk to flight operations.
Security personnel and other agencies were deployed to monitor the situation and assess the potential threat.
As a precautionary measure, seven incoming flights were diverted following the drone sightings. The diversions were made to prevent aircraft from operating normally in the affected area while security teams assessed the situation.
One of the flights affected was Malaysia Airlines flight MH-118, which was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Amritsar. The flight was diverted to Delhi.
Other incoming flights were also diverted to Delhi and Chandigarh due to the security alert. The diversions were carried out as authorities continued monitoring the airport’s operational area.
The drone scare prompted security agencies at the airport to increase surveillance and take additional precautions. Such measures are important because unauthorized drones near an airport can potentially create risks for aircraft operations.
Authorities are expected to investigate the source of the suspicious flying objects and determine whether they were drones or other aircraft-like objects.
The incident also highlights the growing concern over unauthorized drone activity around airports. Airport authorities and security agencies regularly monitor sensitive areas to prevent such objects from entering restricted airspace.
The drone sightings caused temporary disruption to normal flight operations at Amritsar airport. Passengers travelling to the city may face delays or changes to their flight schedules when such security alerts occur.
Although the immediate priority was to ensure aviation safety, the diversions also affected passengers travelling on domestic and international routes.
Authorities are continuing to assess the situation and monitor the airport area. Further information about the identity of the flying objects, their operators and the reason behind the sightings may become available once the investigation progresses.
The incident underlines the importance of strict security around airports, particularly near runways and other sensitive aviation facilities. For airport authorities, preventing unauthorized drone activity remains essential to maintaining safe and uninterrupted flight operations.
Ajeet Yadav is an aviation enthusiast covering airline news, airports, aircraft, and industry developments through well-researched and reliable reporting.
