Seven flights heading to Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar were diverted on Sunday night after authorities reported suspected drone activity near the airport. The disruption forced planes to change course, though the full impact on passengers is still being assessed.
Police have now launched an investigation into what caused the drone activity. One lead they are chasing involves a kabaddi tournament held at a stadium between Ballagan and Jhanjoti villages, where drones may have been used for videography.
Police probe kabaddi tournament drone use
According to the police, a case has been registered against unidentified persons at the Raja Sansi police station. SP (Operations) Gagandeep Singh Ghumman said a preliminary investigation found that a kabaddi tournament was held in the area, but it had ended in the evening.
The timing is key here. If the tournament wrapped up before the drone activity was reported, the link may not hold. Still, investigators are not ruling it out and are examining the possibility that filming drones were still in operation around the time the flights were diverted.
Other possibilities under investigation
The police are also looking into other explanations for the drone sightings. One theory involves drones being used during a marriage function in the area. Such events are common in the region, and recreational or event-based drone use has become more frequent in recent years.
According to the airport authorities, the Indian Air Force (IAF) informed them about the suspected drone activity over the area. This prompted the airport to divert the seven incoming flights as a safety measure.
"A preliminary investigation found that a kabaddi tournament was held in the area, but it had ended in the evening." — SP (Operations) Gagandeep Singh Ghumman
The incident highlights a growing concern for airports across India: unauthorized drone flights near runways. Even small consumer drones can pose a serious risk to commercial aircraft, especially during takeoff and landing.
What happens next in the drone investigation
Police are now working to trace who operated the drones and why they were flying near the airport. The case against unidentified persons means investigators will need to gather evidence, including witness statements and possibly footage from the tournament or nearby CCTV cameras.
For passengers, the disruption was a reminder of how sensitive airport operations are to even small security threats. While no injuries or accidents were reported, the diversion of seven flights would have caused delays and inconvenience for travelers.
Our Take: Drone rules need stricter enforcement
To put it plainly, this incident shows how easily a hobby or event-based drone can turn into a major security issue. The fact that police are even considering a kabaddi tournament or a wedding as the source tells you how common unauthorized drone use has become.
In our view, the problem is not just about catching whoever did this — it is about preventing it from happening again. Drone operators need to know the rules, and authorities need to enforce them. Flying a drone near an airport is not a small mistake; it puts hundreds of lives at risk.
The investigation will likely reveal what actually happened. But regardless of whether the kabaddi tournament or a marriage function is to blame, this event should push for clearer guidelines and stricter penalties for drone misuse near airports.
