A major security scare has emerged near the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar after unidentified drones were spotted flying inside the designated no-fly zone for three consecutive nights. Authorities have registered a First Information Report (FIR) and launched an investigation to trace those responsible for the suspicious activity.
The incident has raised serious concerns because the airport area is classified as a high-security “red zone,” where all drone operations are strictly prohibited under central government aviation and security regulations.
Drones Entered Airport Boundary at Night
According to the complaint filed on February 15 at Jewar police station, airport security personnel observed drones flying late at night within the airport perimeter over multiple days.
Krishna Kant Pandey, a security officer at the airport, reported that the drones appeared to enter from the Ranera-Kureb village side via Jhajhar Road. After hovering over the restricted area for some time, the devices reportedly exited along the same route.
Officials noted that the flights occurred during late hours, making identification difficult and heightening suspicion about the intent behind the activity.
Red Zone Violation Raises Security Concerns
Authorities stressed that the airport premises fall under a strictly enforced no-fly zone due to national security considerations. Any unauthorised aerial activity near critical infrastructure such as airports is treated as a serious offence.
Security experts warn that rogue drones could be used for surveillance, smuggling, or even sabotage, especially during the construction phase of a major international airport project.
“The presence of drones in a restricted zone poses a potential threat to aviation safety and national security. Identifying the operators is a top priority,” an official involved in the investigation said.
Police Launch Investigation to Trace Operators
Following the complaint, police registered an FIR and initiated efforts to identify the drone operators. Investigators are examining nearby villages, checking CCTV footage from surrounding areas, and coordinating with security agencies.
Authorities are also exploring whether the drones were hobbyist devices flown illegally or part of a more organised activity.
Airport Security Under Tight Watch
The Noida International Airport, set to become one of India’s largest aviation hubs, is already under enhanced surveillance due to its strategic importance. Officials have indicated that additional monitoring measures may be introduced to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Security personnel have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance, particularly during nighttime hours when such activities are harder to detect.
As construction progresses and operational timelines draw closer, ensuring airtight security around the airport remains a critical priority. The recent drone sightings underscore the growing challenges posed by unauthorised unmanned aerial vehicles in sensitive zones.
