Drone-like object spotted for the 4th time by pilot; Runways closed

New Delhi, Dec 28: A drone-like object was spotted in high-security Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport by a pilot while landing around 7.30 am on Thursday and reported to authorities.

After which capital's all three operational runways — 9-27, 10-28 and 11-29 — were closed, which led to at least 25 flights being delayed.

This was the fourth incident in two weeks, when an unidentified flying object disrupted flight operations at Delhi airport.

In every incident the pilot notices the object but the radar does not spot it.

Flying of drones, an unmanned object, is prohibited in areas near the airport.

In August, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had come up with a draft regulation allowing use of drones for any purpose but with some restrictions. The government had invited public suggestion within 30 days after that stakeholders consultations have been conducted. Some changes are expected in the draft policy and it is likely to be in place by the first week of January.