Airspace shut for nearly 1.5 hours as security agencies remained on alert
Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar faced a 1.5 hours airspace shut on late Sunday night after a suspicious drone-like object was reportedly spotted near the airport’s operational area. Taking precautionary measures, authorities temporarily shut the airspace, resulting in the diversion of around seven incoming flights.
Airport Director A.K. Sharma confirmed the incident and said written information regarding the matter has also been shared with the police. Security agencies were immediately alerted following the reported movement.
Suspicious object spotted around 9:40 PM
According to A.K. Sharma, information about a suspected drone movement was received at around 9:40 PM on Sunday. Considering the security implications, the airport airspace was closed at approximately 9:50 PM.
Following the decision, Air Traffic Control (ATC) temporarily halted the landing of incoming flights. Around seven flights were subsequently diverted to alternative airports.
Two flights diverted to Chandigarh, five to Delhi
Of the diverted flights, two were sent to Chandigarh while five were diverted to Delhi. The move was taken as a precautionary measure after the suspicious object was reportedly seen around the airport’s operational zone.
The incident caused inconvenience to passengers travelling to Amritsar, with flight operations temporarily disrupted.
Airspace reopened at 11:15 PM
After security agencies assessed the situation and necessary checks were carried out, the airspace was reopened at around 11:15 PM.
Following the reopening, flight operations gradually returned to normal. Airport authorities said the situation is currently under control and passenger safety remains the top priority.
Five diverted flights later reached Amritsar
The Airport Director said that five of the diverted flights later reached Amritsar, while one Air India flight was cancelled. He also said that the flight operating to Malaysia was expected to return today.
Drone restrictions already in place around airport
The development comes amid existing restrictions on the use of drones around the airport. The Amritsar district administration has already issued orders restricting drone operations in the vicinity of the airport.
Security agencies continue to maintain vigilance around the airport and other sensitive locations.
Airport director apologises to passengers
A.K. Sharma expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers due to the temporary airspace closure. He said the decision was taken purely from a security perspective, with passenger safety being the foremost priority.
He added that with the situation now normal, flight operations are being restored smoothly.
