An IndiGo flight (6E 2045) operating from New Delhi to Amritsar was forced to return to the capital on Monday evening, shortly before its scheduled landing. The abrupt U-turn triggered public concern, especially as it coincided with heightened security alerts across Punjab.
According to officials, the flight was redirected due to blackout protocols and reported drone activity in and around Punjab’s Amritsar and Jammu’s Samba, which prompted the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for civilian safety.
Comparatively, a very small number of drones have come in the Samba sector. They are being engaged and there is nothing to be alarmed: Army Sources pic.twitter.com/MIEW2b8bNy
— ANI (@ANI) May 12, 2025
The Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar had earlier issued an emergency advisory at 8 PM urging citizens to switch off lights, avoid windows, and remain calm amid “abundant caution.” Similar alerts were issued in Pathankot and Hoshiarpur, following reports of drones near military installations.
In Hoshiarpur’s Dasuya area, locals reported hearing 7–8 loud explosions believed to be air defence operations neutralising suspected drones. Pathankot also reported parallel drone sightings, indicating a coordinated cross-border attempt.
The emergency measures came just hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s national address, where he confirmed that Pakistan had reached out for a ceasefire “buri tarah pitne ke baad (after being badly beaten),” praising India’s armed forces for intercepting drones and missiles mid-air.
Flight-tracking visuals showed the IndiGo aircraft reversing course mid-route, consistent with immediate airspace security protocol in the event of red alerts or blackout orders.
As of now, Indian security forces remain on high operational alert in all border districts.