Drone Sighting Prompts Temporary Suspension of Flights at Imphal International Airport

The drone was observed flying at an altitude between 3,600 and 4,000 feet above ground level.

Imphal:

Flight operations at the International airport in Imphal, Manipur were temporarily halted on Monday afternoon following the sighting of a drone, which raised significant security concerns, according to officials.

An Airport Authority of India (AAI) senior official reported that an IndiGo aircraft traveling from Agartala to Imphal detected a drone on its final approach path from the city side, flying at an altitude ranging between 3,600 and 4,000 feet.

"As a precautionary safety measure, flight operations at Imphal International Airport were temporarily suspended following the incident report. Normal operations resumed only after the matter was immediately reported to Manipur Police and necessary security clearance was obtained," the official stated.

The AAI official emphasized that the public is strictly prohibited from operating drones in and around the airport vicinity, including areas such as Imphal City (East and West), Nambol, and Bishnupur.

He warned that unauthorized drone operations pose a severe risk to aircraft safety, may result in temporary airport closures, and create significant inconvenience for passengers.

The AAI representative cautioned that any violations of drone operation regulations would result in strict legal action in accordance with applicable laws.

He added that ensuring passenger safety and security along with maintaining proper aircraft operations remains their highest priority.

Located just 6 kilometers from the capital city, Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Imphal operates flights connecting to major cities including Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Agartala, and other locations throughout the country.

Imphal West district Superintendent of Police Shivakanta Singh urged citizens not to fly drones in areas adjacent to the airport, stating, "If anyone is observed flying a drone between Sanjenthong and Kwakeithel, please immediately alert the police so that it can be brought down. These activities are disrupting flight movements."

He emphasized that violations of drone regulations will result in strict legal action under the law. In the previous year, Assam Rifles deployed anti-drone systems in the fringe areas of Imphal Valley in Manipur to counter any "rogue drones".

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which has a large deployment in Manipur due to ethnic violence, has also tested an anti-drone system and "provided it to forces stationed in the state".