After drones sighted over Amritsar airport, officials discuss security

Amritsar, August 28

After sighting of alleged ‘drones’ near the vicinity of Sri Guru Ram Dass Ji International airport here on Monday, the Airport Authority of India (AAI), officials of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Amritsar Rural police and other head of the departments held a security meeting at the airport.

Expressing concern over the incident, the airport authority sought better coordination and real-time information sharing on sighting of drones among various agencies, including CISF, Air Traffic Control and Punjab Police to avoid repetition of such an incident.

Safety measures taken

Air traffic control room observed some objects hovering near the control tower and we took all the security measures as per the protocol. An airport security meeting was also held for strengthening the security at the international airport. — Sandeep Agarwal, Airport Director

For the first time in Punjab, drones were seen near the airport complex, leading to suspension of flights for around three hours. The CISF and the Punjab Police held a search operation in and around the vicinity of the airport but no drone was recovered.

“The Air Traffic Control Room observed some objects hovering near the control tower and we took all the security measures as per the protocol. A meeting was also held for strengthening the security at the international airport,” said Airport Director Sandeep Agarwal.

Among others who were present at the meeting were senior commandant CISF, chief security officer of AAI and officials of Punjab Police, besides Indian Air Force and various airline authorities, etc.

The airport authorities also asked the Punjab Police officials to direct marriage palaces not to use high intensity or laser lights, which could cause inconvenience to the pilots during landing. He also requested the police officials to enhance surveillance in the village adjoining the perimeter wall of the airport in order to check use of laser lights and drones in the vicinity of Amritsar airport.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (North) Maninderpal Singh said as per the probe carried out so far, no drone was found in the environs of the airport. “Even radars at the airport did not notice any flying object,” he added.

Meanwhile, airport security officers pointed out several non-operational CCTV cameras and urged the authorities to take action to make them functional soon. Airport authorities also asked airlines to ensure CCTV surveillance in baggage makeup area for preventing thefts and pilferage.