Imphal: Flight operations were temporarily suspended at Imphal's Bir Tikendrajit International Airport in Manipur on Monday afternoon after a drone was sighted, raising security concerns. An IndiGo flight from Agartala to Imphal reported a drone around 2 pm on its final approach path at an altitude between 3,600 and 4,000 feet. As a precautionary safety measure, flights were paused until clearance was obtained from the state police, after which normal operations resumed.

Airport authorities warned the public against operating drones in the vicinity, including Imphal city, Nambol, and Bishnupur, stating that unauthorised drone operations pose a serious risk to aircraft safety. They cautioned that any violations of drone regulations would invite strict legal action.

This incident has added to ongoing concerns about drone sightings near Imphal Airport, which have previously caused disruptions and heightened security alerts. The sensitivity around unauthorised drones reflects regional tensions, with recent militant activities involving drones reported in nearby areas. Authorities continue to monitor the airspace strictly to prevent any threats to flight safety and public security.

With inputs from PTI