2 hrs ago
Suspected Drones Force Amritsar Airport Shutdown, Divert Seven Flights
People reported seeing drones near the airport in Amritsar on Sunday night.
The drones were close to places where airplanes take off and land.
Airport officials temporarily stopped flights because the drones might endanger aircraft.
Seven airplanes were sent to other airports instead.
Two went to Chandigarh, and five went to Delhi.
Five of the flights later came back to Amritsar.
One Air India flight was cancelled, and a Malaysia Airlines flight was expected to arrive later.
Police and security agencies were told about the incident.
Flights resumed after officials decided there was no more drone activity.
Drones were reportedly spotted across or near the operational area of Amritsar airport on Sunday night.
Airport operations were suspended for about 90 minutes after the reported sightings.
Seven flights were diverted, with two sent to Chandigarh and five to Delhi.
Five diverted flights later returned; one Air India flight was cancelled, while a Malaysia Airlines flight was expected the following day.
Punjab Police and other agencies are investigating the incident, which officials said could affect aircraft landings.
- Who
- Airport officials, the Indian Air Force, Punjab Police, other security agencies, and seven affected flights.
- What
- Reported drone sightings led to a temporary airport shutdown and the diversion of seven flights.
- Where
- Shri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar, Punjab; diverted flights went to Chandigarh and Delhi.
- When
- Sunday night, with reports received around 9:45 p.m.; operations were suspended around 9:50 p.m. and reopened from about 11:15 p.m.
- Why
- Officials determined that the reported drone activity could disrupt or endanger aircraft landings.
Key facts
- Flights diverted
- Seven
- Diversion destinations
- Two flights to Chandigarh and five to Delhi
- Operations suspended
- Approximately 90 minutes
- Initial report
- The Air Traffic Control unit was informed by the Indian Air Force at about 9:45 p.m.
- Operations resumed
- The airport assessed the situation around 11 p.m. and reopened operations from about 11:15 p.m.
- Flight outcomes
- Five diverted flights returned; one Air India flight was cancelled, and a Malaysia Airlines flight was expected the following day
- Investigation
- Police were handling the investigation
Quotes
Anirudh Kumar Sharma
Director of Amritsar Airport
“Airport operations were suspended around 9:50 pm.”
thestatesman.com
“Everything has returned to normal.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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