‘Unusual aerial objects’ spotted, turn out to be balloons

MUMBAI: Authorities at the Mumbai airport had a minor scare on Wednesday morning after an Air India flight from Nagpur reported spotting ‘unusual aerial objects’

MUMBAI: Authorities at the Mumbai airport had a minor scare on Wednesday morning after an Air India flight from Nagpur reported spotting ‘unusual aerial objects’ 12 nautical miles ahead of touchdown.

HT Image

Officials from the city air traffic control (ATC) tower said that according to the pilot’s description, the objects appeared to be dark blue balloons.

“We have alerted the concerned authorities. Unusual flying objects such as balloons are unsafe for flights. It could get sucked into a plane’s engine and affects its performance,” said an ATC official, who did not wish to be identified.

This was the first spotting reported within a month after the civil aviation ministry asked the state government to stop the menace.

On September 3, HT had reported that RN Choubey, civil aviation secretary and sought support from state chief secretary Swadheen Kshatriya on curbing the menace threatening fliers’ safety.

Choubey’s note stated that kites, lanterns and hot air balloons were among the most serious concerns raised by stakeholders at the city airport.