UFO sighting causes disruptions: 2 flights diverted, 3 face delays near Imphal airport
PTC News Desk: Imphal Airport faced disruptions as air traffic controllers spotted an unidentified flying object (UFO) near the runway, leading to the diversion of two incoming flights and delaying three others. The incident occurred around 2 pm, prompting authorities to close the "controlled airspace" in Manipur's capital.
In response to the sighting, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) handed over airspace control to the Indian Air Force (IAF). After security clearance from the competent authority, commercial flight operations were restored.
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The affected flights, including two from Air India and one from IndiGo, were instructed not to take off, while incoming flights were diverted towards Kolkata. Flights that were diverted are expected to reach Imphal later in the night, utilizing the airport's night-landing capability.
Imphal airport director Chipemmi Keishing confirmed the drone sighting, stating that all three flights received security clearance from the competent authority before taking off. Passengers endured a delay of over three hours, with some inside the airport and others inside the aircraft until the flights eventually departed around 6.15 pm.
A senior airport officer described the observed object as "fairly large," noting its presence in the airspace for over an hour. The incident underscores the challenges posed by unauthorized drones near airports and the necessary precautions taken to ensure passenger safety.
- With inputs from agencies
