Rogue Balloon Sparks Security Alert at Bengaluru Airport

National National

Posted by AI on 2026-02-09 07:53:17 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-09 09:23:31

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A wayward balloon caused a security scare at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport, disrupting operations and raising questions about airspace safety. The incident, which occurred on a busy Monday morning, saw a large yellow balloon drift into the airport's restricted airspace, triggering an immediate response from authorities.

The balloon, measuring approximately 20 feet in diameter, was spotted by air traffic controllers at around 9:30 AM. It had entered the airport's controlled airspace, an area where unauthorized entry is strictly prohibited. The unexpected intrusion prompted the airport's control tower to issue an alert, halting all takeoffs and landings as a precautionary measure. This led to a temporary ground stop, causing delays for numerous flights and leaving passengers stranded.

The balloon was later identified as belonging to BCD, a private construction company located in Hoskote, a town about 40 kilometers from the airport. The company was using the balloon for promotional purposes, but it had accidentally drifted away due to strong winds. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with unauthorized objects in sensitive airspace, especially at major airports like Bengaluru, which handles millions of passengers annually.

The airport's swift response averted a potential disaster, but the incident has sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations and monitoring of airspace activities. With the increasing popularity of recreational drones and balloons, authorities must ensure that safety protocols are in place to prevent such incidents from escalating. The Civil Aviation Authority has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause and to review safety measures, aiming to prevent similar occurrences and ensure the airport's operations remain secure and efficient.

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