Drone Sighting Disrupts Flights at Amritsar Airport, Diverts International Services
Flight operations at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar were temporarily suspended for approximately one hour on Wednesday evening following reports of drone-like objects in the airspace. This incident led to the diversion of two international flights and caused delays for several others, highlighting ongoing security concerns in the region.
Immediate Response and Flight Diversions
Airport director Bhupendra Singh confirmed the drone sighting, which triggered immediate safety protocols. "There was a drone sighting in the airport area. As a precaution, two incoming flights were diverted and some others delayed," he stated. Operations resumed at 9:41 pm, after which the diverted flights—one from Sharjah and another from Kuala Lumpur—were cleared to land safely. The Sharjah flight was rerouted to Chandigarh, while the Kuala Lumpur service landed in Delhi.
Authorities promptly informed Amritsar police, who are currently investigating the source of the sighting. The incident was reported in the Raja Sansi police station area, which is notably close to both the airport and the sensitive India-Pakistan border.
Historical Context and Security Vulnerabilities
This is not the first such disruption at Amritsar airport. In August 2024, three drone-like objects halted operations for three hours, raising similar security alarms. The latest incident also revives memories of the severe disruptions during Operation Sindoor in May 2025, a brief but intense India-Pakistan military conflict triggered by a terror attack in Pahalgam.
During that conflict, Pakistan retaliated with hundreds of drones, with estimates ranging from 300 to 600, targeting military and civilian sites across northern India, including Amritsar. Several hostile drones were detected and destroyed over the city, including near Khasa Cantonment and even approaching the Golden Temple area. As a direct consequence, Amritsar airport was among dozens temporarily closed nationwide, with at least 24 airports shutting down amid missile and drone threats.
- Major airlines, including IndiGo and Air India, cancelled or diverted numerous flights, causing widespread chaos for passengers.
- Blackouts were imposed in parts of Punjab, and air defence systems remained on high alert to counter the drone swarm.
Ongoing Challenges and Expert Insights
Security experts note that Amritsar's proximity to the border makes it particularly vulnerable to such incursions, which are often linked to smuggling or hostile activities. The latest sighting underscores the persistent challenges in safeguarding airspace near sensitive border regions, where rapid response and robust surveillance are critical to preventing larger-scale disruptions.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for enhanced security measures and continuous monitoring to protect civilian aviation and national security interests in border areas.
