7 flights diverted to Delhi after suspected drone movement near Amritsar airport

All flight operations were suspended for about 90 minutes after drone-like objects were spotted close to the runway on Sunday night.

The movement of multiple suspected drones around the operational area of the Amritsar international airport prompted the authorities to divert seven flights, including two international ones, to Delhi, an official said on Monday.

Amritsar airport director Anirudh Kumar said police were alerted after multiple suspected drones were seen in the airport’s operational area. (PTI)

The incident occurred at around 10 pm on Sunday when the of movement of drone-like objects was detected near the runway area.

It triggered an immediate security response, with the Punjab Police and other central security agencies being alerted, the official said.

Shri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport Director Anirudh Kumar said multiple suspected drones were hovering around the airport's operational area on Sunday night, following which police were informed.

For about 1 hour and 30 minutes, all flight operations remained suspended.

He said that suspicious activity of the drone-like objects was detected close to the runway area.

Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express flights were among those diverted, officials said.