Drone scare near Amritsar airport: AI flight sent back to Delhi, IndiGo diverted
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YUDHVIR RANA
Authorities temporarily closed Amritsar airport airspace on Sunday night following reports of multiple drones near the facility. Two commercial flights were diverted or returned to their origin, and police have launched a search operation to investigate the security breach.
Security Breach at Amritsar Airport: Drone Activity Disrupts Operations
On Sunday night, the security of Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar was compromised when suspected drone activity was detected in the vicinity. According to Anirudh Sharma, the in-charge of Air Traffic Control (ATC), the presence of two to three unidentified drones was reported around 9.40pm. In a swift response to prioritize passenger safety and mitigate potential collision risks, authorities took the decisive action of closing the airspace at approximately 9.50pm.
Operational Impact and Flight Diversions
The immediate consequence of this security measure was the disruption of scheduled air travel. Air India flight AI-855, which was inbound from Delhi, was forced to turn back, while an IndiGo flight (6E-5028) arriving from Mumbai was diverted to Chandigarh. These diversions highlight the critical nature of the threat, as air traffic protocols mandate the immediate suspension of operations when unauthorized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are detected within restricted airport zones.
The Challenge of Drone Surveillance
The incident underscores the growing challenge that low-altitude, small-scale drones pose to civil aviation security. Unlike traditional threats, small drones are difficult to track on conventional radar systems, making the detection of these two to three devices particularly concerning for airport authorities. The closure of the airspace, while necessary, serves as a stark reminder of how vulnerable commercial flight paths are to even minor security anomalies.
Security Response and Investigation
Following the temporary closure, a massive search operation was launched by local police to determine the origin and intent of the drone operators. While flight operations were able to resume by 11.15pm, the investigation into who was operating the devices and for what purpose remains ongoing. Such incidents often trigger a review of regional surveillance capabilities and the deployment of anti-drone technology to prevent future recurrences.
Passenger Experience and Communication Gaps
Beyond the technical and security implications, the incident highlighted the recurring issue of passenger communication. Many travelers expressed frustration regarding the lack of timely information provided during the diversion process. In the high-stress environment of aviation security, clear and proactive communication from airlines remains a vital component of passenger management that requires further attention.
Broader Implications for Aviation Safety
The event at Amritsar serves as a microcosm for a global aviation trend: the increasing necessity of integrating drone detection systems into standard airport security infrastructure. As UAV technology becomes more accessible, the potential for intentional or accidental interference with commercial aviation grows. Authorities must balance the need for strict security enforcement with the operational demands of a busy international hub to ensure both safety and efficiency in the future.