Security alert in Mumbai after Indigo pilot spots 'drone' near airport

The pilot of a private airline today reported seeing a drone while landing at the city airport, leading to a security alert.

Mumbai, Oct 18: The pilot of a private airline today reported seeing a drone while landing at the city airport, leading to a security alert.

Ashish Ranjan, pilot of Indigo Airlines flight 6E-755 from Dehradun, told authorities that he spotted a drone some 100 metres below the aircraft on Kurla side, while landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport at around 7.30 PM.

The pilot alerted the Area Traffic Control (ATC), who contacted the police.

The information was forwarded to the Intelligence Bureau, Anti-Terrorism Squad, Special Branch of police and Crime Branch, a police officer said.

Recent advisories from Intelligence agencies had said that terrorists could use drone-like objects to launch an attack in Mumbai. Drones, remote-operated aircraft, paragliders and balloons are banned in the city skies.

PTI