Indian Air Force Flags Security Risk Over Viral Photos, Videos Of Leh Airport On Social Media

Published 18 June 2026 · india

Indian Air Force Flags Security Risk Over Viral Photos, Videos Of Leh Airport On Social Media Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 18, 2026

Indian Air Force Flags Security Risk Over Viral Photos, Videos Of Leh Airport On Social Media Reported By, Edited By Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 23:13 IST Air Force Station Leh warns viral photos and videos from sensitive airport zones threaten security, officials plan stricter enforcement, SOPs and clearance for monitoring equipment An Indian Air Force Boeing C-17 Globemaster III performs a take-off run at Air Force Station Thoise, Leh. (Image Courtesy: Anoshito Banerjee/News18) Air Force Station Leh has raised an alarm over a growing trend of photographs and videos from sensitive airport zones surfacing on social media, warning that the practice poses a direct threat to operational security. The concern was raised at a high-level interdepartmental meeting chaired by Nidhi Malik, Administrative Secretary, Civil Aviation Ladakh, convened to address a string of issues the Air Force had flagged to the Lieutenant Governor’s office last month. Indian Air Force representatives pointed to a steady rise in unauthorised photography and videography within and around restricted airport areas, much of which has been finding its way onto social media platforms.

The IAF noted that such content can expose operational zones and compromise the confidentiality required for sensitive military and aviation functions at Leh, a strategically significant airbase given its location and altitude. “In response, the Administrative Secretary directed the concerned agencies to strengthen enforcement of existing regulations, undertake public awareness initiatives regarding restricted areas, and formulate appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at preventing unauthorised photography and videography in sensitive locations," officials said. With tourist footfall at Leh on the rise, clips of aircraft landing and taking off at the airport have increasingly gone viral on social media. Even videos shot from outside the perimeter expose the full length of the runway and the aircraft present there. The runway is of major strategic importance to the Indian Air Force. The meeting drew participation from the Airports Authority of India, PWD, BRO, PDD, the Revenue Department, Urban Development Department, and the Wildlife Department.

Officials also agreed that any new CCTV or monitoring equipment installed near Air Force establishments would need to go through proper clearance channels, balancing public safety requirements against the security sensitivities of a military airbase. “The objective was to comprehensively assess matters affecting the safe, secure, and efficient functioning of aviation operations at Leh Airport and to identify actionable measures for their timely resolution," officials said. Air Force Station Leh representatives also provided detailed insights into issues concerning the proposed second runway, obstacle limitation requirements, airspace safety considerations, terrain-related constraints, and physical obstructions that could affect flight operations. “Extensive discussions were held on the presence of hills, elevated terrain features, and other structures located within areas of operational significance," officials said. Air Force officials noted that these factors require careful scientific assessment to ensure compliance with prescribed aviation safety standards and to accommodate both current and future operational requirements. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Ieshan Wani Ieshan Wani, senior correspondent, CNN-News18, has over eight years of experience in reporting, producing and editing news for broadcast, digital and print platforms.