Authorities alerted after drone comes close to UN aircraft.

RAWALPINDI -- Islamabad airport's management have asked the police to ban drone activities around the runway after one came dangerously close to an aircraft.

The directives were issued after a UN aircraft en route from Kabul came across a drone flying at about 3,400 feet and eight nautical miles from the runway on Jan 16.

The airport manager, in his intimation to the police and district administration, said the UN aircraft B-190 with flight number UN-355H was approaching around 2:30pm when it observed a drone flying at approximately 3,400ft while the aircraft's altitude was 3,700ft.

According to the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), the area where the drone was flying has been identified to be Bahria Town's Phase VIII in Rawalpindi.

Islamabad International Airport Chief Operating Officer Syed Aftab Ali Shah Gilani has sought help from the Rawalpindi regional police officer (RPO) and commissioner after a second complaint of flight hazard was received within a month.

Islamabad airport writes to police to curb drone flights in funnel areas

On Jan 8, the pilot of a Pakistan International Airlines' flight from Dubai reported that a green laser light was pointed towards the aircraft as it positioned to land at runway 28L, six NM away from the airport.

The airport COO said drones not only pose a threat of collision with the aircraft but also cause security concerns if equipped with surveillance gadgets or improvised explosive devices.

The Rawalpindi police chief has been requested to increase patrolling and combing operations to detect violators in the funnel areas, which extend beyond each end of the runway used by aircraft to land and take off.

The COO has also suggested enforcing Section 144 on drone activities around the airport.

The PCAA has also asked the Rawalpindi RPO to take action against such activities which could result in a tragic accident.

According to aviation experts, laser lights and drones were among the foremost...