Despite Ceasefire, Drone Sightings Near Border Spark Panic and Flight Suspensions
Even in the wake of a recently agreed-upon ceasefire, tensions along the India-Pakistan border appear far from over. Reports of drone sightings in sensitive border regions have raised fresh security concerns, prompting immediate responses from domestic airlines and heightening public anxiety in affected areas.
On Monday night, drones were reportedly spotted in the Samba sector of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the Indian military confirmed it intercepted and neutralized a surveillance drone near Jalandhar in Punjab. These developments have led to tightened vigilance and precautionary measures, despite official statements asserting that the situation remains under control.
In response, major domestic carriers — Air India and IndiGo — announced temporary suspension of several flight routes on Tuesday, May 13, affecting travel to cities close to the border.
Air India, in its statement, said:
“Given the evolving security situation and prioritizing passenger safety, we are suspending flights to Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot. We are closely monitoring the developments and will issue updates accordingly.”
IndiGo echoed similar sentiments, stating:
“Passenger safety is our highest priority. We regret the inconvenience caused, but flights to Srinagar, Leh, Rajkot, Chandigarh, Jammu, and Amritsar will remain suspended for now.”
Earlier, optimism had surfaced as 32 airports were reopened on Monday, signaling a tentative return to normalcy. Airlines had been preparing to resume full-scale operations in the region. However, with renewed drone activity, security agencies and airline operators are proceeding with caution.
One IndiGo flight from Delhi to Amritsar was diverted mid-route as a precautionary measure before the airline decided to suspend services entirely on the affected routes.
Authorities continue to emphasize that there is no immediate cause for alarm and that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain public safety. Nonetheless, the drone incursions underscore the fragile nature of the current ceasefire and the ongoing volatility along the border.
