Operations at Shri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport were halted for 85 minutes on Sunday night due to unauthorized drone sightings near the runway. Seven flights were diverted to Delhi and Chandigarh. While services have resumed, the incident underscores the persistent operational challenges and security requirements for aviation in border regions.
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, air traffic operations at Shri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar were temporarily suspended following reports of unauthorized drone activity near the runway. The disruption occurred between 9:50 PM and 11:15 PM, as security protocols were activated to ensure the safety of passengers and aircraft in the vicinity.
The security breach forced the diversion of seven scheduled flights to ensure they remained clear of the restricted airspace. Five of these aircraft were rerouted to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi, while two flights were diverted to Chandigarh. The airlines affected by these diversions included Malaysia Airlines, IndiGo, Air India, and Air India Express. Following the diversions, one Air India flight was cancelled.
Security teams, including personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and the Punjab Police, were immediately mobilized to conduct a perimeter sweep and investigate the source of the unauthorized aerial activity. Airport operations were fully restored once the security agencies declared the airspace safe for travel.
For the aviation sector, incidents of this nature highlight the operational risks of maintaining air connectivity in sensitive border areas. While isolated disruptions have a minimal impact on the overall financial health of major carriers, recurring security issues can lead to incremental operational costs related to unplanned diversions, fuel consumption, and ground handling adjustments. Aviation authorities continue to focus on strengthening perimeter security and upgrading monitoring systems to detect and deter unauthorized aerial objects. The primary next step for stakeholders will be the progress of the ongoing security investigation and the potential deployment of enhanced anti-drone technology to minimize future service interruptions.