Illegal drone activity has been reported over the past few days near Noida International Airport, prompting heightened security measures and a formal police complaint.
The airport, which is set to be one of Asia’s largest aviation hubs, has already been declared a ‘Red Zone’ or ‘No Drone Fly Zone’ by the Central Government due to security concerns.
Krishna Kant Pandey, security officer of the SIS agency deployed at the airport, lodged a complaint at the local police station, stating that unauthorised drones had flown over the restricted area at night for the last two to three days.
According to the FIR, the drones were seen entering the airport premises from the direction of Ranhera and Kureb villages under the cover of darkness. They reportedly approached via Jhajhar Road, hovered over the airport area for some time, and then exited in the same direction. The repeated sightings have raised serious security concerns.
Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Sudhir Kumar of Greater Noida said a detailed investigation is underway. “The entire matter is being investigated. Strict action will be taken against whoever is found guilty in the drone case. A team is working on it and the truth will come out soon,” he said.
Police officials indicated that the ongoing wedding season in villages adjoining the airport could be a possible factor, as drones used for videography may have inadvertently entered restricted airspace. However, security agencies are not treating the incidents lightly.
Surveillance and patrolling in and around the airport have been intensified, and the matter has been communicated to the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
Earlier, Gautam Budh Nagar Police issued a public advisory warning that flying drones or any Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in and around the airport is a punishable offence.
Manish Kumar Mishra, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police, Jewar Airport, said a complete ban has been imposed on flying drones or UAVs above or near the airport to ensure airspace security and monitoring. He added that following instructions from aviation and security authorities, the airport was officially declared a Red Zone on October 8, 2024.
Mishra further stated that flying a drone in the restricted area without permission is punishable under the Airports Authority of India Act, 1934, and UAV operation rules. He warned that violators, whether individuals or groups, would face strict legal action and urged citizens to cooperate in maintaining airport security.
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