On the evening of September 24th, there were reports of unmanned aerial vehicle interference at the Yichang Three Gorges International Airport in Hubei, leading to multiple flight delays and diversions.
According to screenshots of the “YIH Airport Flight Display” shared by netizens, flights scheduled to arrive after 22:00 were in a state of diversion. Additionally, flights scheduled for boarding at 23:55 did not complete boarding until after 2 a.m. on the 25th.
Some netizens posted videos claiming, “Unidentified objects appeared in the sky in Yichang causing flight delays.” Others reported that the Three Gorges International Airport in Yichang, Hubei, seemed to have been affected by drone interference, resulting in multiple flight delays and diversions.
In response to the incident, staff at the Yichang Three Gorges International Airport confirmed to the local newspaper Xiangxiang Morning Post on the morning of the 25th that due to public safety reasons on the night of the 24th, flights were disrupted starting from around 9 p.m. Some flights that were not able to continue as planned were canceled, while others experienced delays and diversions, returning to normal operation around midnight.
A reporter from Xiangxiang Morning Post contacted the Yichang Public Security Bureau Three Gorges Airport Branch regarding the matter, and employees confirmed that there were indeed drones flying in the area last night.
Prior to this incident, Tianjin Binhai Airport experienced a significant disruption in flights on the night of September 11, affecting over 3,000 passengers’ travel plans.
The event has sparked attention online, with many netizens expressing concerns. Some said, “There must be something behind this. Once could be accidental, but twice is not a coincidence.” Others commented, “We should strengthen the management of private unmanned drones. Most people lack awareness of the law. We cannot wait for a disaster to occur before taking it seriously.”
Some questioned, “What’s going on? The situation in Tianjin hasn’t been resolved yet, and now it’s happening in Hubei. Isn’t our preventive capability too weak?” Others speculated, “Is this testing the police’s reaction capability? Is this a brazen attempt? Who owns the drone? Shoot it down.” “Enhance countermeasure equipment and train more professionals.”
However, some netizens doubted, “Drones are not allowed to take off in airport zones, so how did it fly? My home is within the no-fly zone of the Three Gorges Airport, and my drone cannot take off.” “If there are no-fly zones, how did it enter? Aren’t birds also prohibited?”
Some believe, “Drones are already being countered. Probably just a drill.” “It’s likely homemade if drones can’t take off tens of kilometers away from the airport. Could it be extraterrestrial activity?”
Overall, the incidents at Yichang Three Gorges International Airport have raised questions and concerns among the public, highlighting the need for stricter drone regulations and enhanced security measures at airports.