Drone Sighting Near Mumbai Airport Triggers Security Alert, Police Launch Search Operation

Mumbai May 9: A drone sighting near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport early Tuesday morning triggered a high-level security alert, prompting an immediate search operation by Mumbai Police. The incident occurred around 5:15 AM when the police control room received a call reporting an unidentified drone flying over the Hazrat Tayyab Jalal (Baingan Shah Dargah) mosque in Sakinaka.

According to the caller, the drone hovered above the religious site briefly before vanishing into a nearby slum area. Given the location's proximity to Mumbai's international airport—considered a high-security zone—law enforcement authorities responded swiftly and seriously to the report.

Mumbai Police have launched a combing operation in the surrounding areas to trace the source and operator of the drone. Airport security agencies have also been alerted as a precaution. The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the use of drones in restricted and sensitive areas, particularly near vital infrastructure.

A senior police official stated that all possibilities are being investigated, including the potential for surveillance or malicious intent. "We are treating this as a serious breach and will examine CCTV footage and local witness accounts to trace the device and its controller," the official added.

Unauthorized drone activity near airports is a violation of aviation and security norms, and authorities are expected to review existing drone regulations in light of this incident.

Investigations are ongoing.