Suspected drone-like objects were reported near Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport late on Sunday, triggering a security alert and the diversion of seven incoming flights, airport officials said. Airport operations were suspended from 9.50 pm to 11.15 pm, Anirudh Sharma, who holds the additional charge of Airport Director, confirmed.
Drones sighting and flight diversions
According to officials, two incoming flights were diverted to Chandigarh and five to Delhi after the objects were seen outside the airport’s perimeter wall. Air Traffic Control (ATC) suspended landing operations citing concerns over the safety of aircraft operating in the area.
Security response and investigation
Sources said police suspect the drones were flown locally. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which is responsible for airport security, has heightened its vigilance and other security agencies were immediately alerted. The international airport is located close to the India–Pakistan border, and authorities have reported the matter to the police for investigation.
While the exact nature and origin of the suspected objects have not been established, investigators are examining all possibilities. Sources did not rule out that locally operated drones may have entered the restricted airspace near the airport. Given increasing instances of drones allegedly being used from across the Pakistan border to smuggle narcotics, arms and ammunition into Punjab, security agencies are also examining whether a cross-border angle could be involved.
Sharma said the police are investigating to determine whether the suspicious flying objects were actually drones or some other objects and where they were flown from.
