Central agencies raise concern over F-35 photo leak; warning signs installed at Thiruvananthapuram airport

SHANGHUMUGHAM: Warning boards have been installed on the Thiruvananthapuram airport's perimeter wall, prohibiting photographs, flying kites and drones from outside the wall. The move comes after images of a British fighter jet being towed from a parking bay to a hangar at the Thiruvananthapuram airport went viral on social media. Central intelligence agencies had reported that the images were taken from outside the perimeter wall of the airport, terming it a security breach.

The district collector had earlier issued an order banning kites and balloons within the airport limits, but the measures were not effective. A few days ago, the plane was diverted after a kite was seen flying above the runway while it was approaching for landing. After this, a toy drone was also found inside the airport. How it ended up on the runway still remains unanswered.

Such incidents are recurring due to the lack of police checks outside the airport. The security outside the airport is currently provided by the local police under the name of Cityside Security. No inspection is being conducted, even for the sake of it. Knowing this, kites and balloons constantly create obstacles for the landing and take-off of planes.