IAF chopper makes low approach at Nilackal in Kerala

IAF chopper makes low approach at Nilackal in Kerala Published – August 20, 2026 07: 39 pm IST – PATHANAMTHITTA.

Key points

• An Indian Air Force helicopter created a brief low approach at the helipad in Nilackal, the base camp of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, around 11 a.m.
• An officer remarked the helicopter was understood to have produced two sorties, one over Jadayupara and another at Nilakkal.
• As reports indicate, the helicopter descended towards the helipad and remained at a low altitude for around 10 seconds before turning back.
• According to Police authorities additionally, they had received no prior information regarding the helicopter's movement.
• The police have taken note of the incident and are collecting details regarding the helicopter's movement.

For context, an Indian Air Force helicopter created a brief low approach at the helipad in Nilackal, the base camp of the Sabarimala pilgrimage, around 11 a.m. On Thursday before flying back.

As reports indicate, the helicopter descended towards the helipad and remained at a low altitude for around 10 seconds before turning back. It was reportedly flying in from the IAF base in Thiruvananthapuram.

For context, the police have taken note of the incident and are collecting details regarding the helicopter's movement. Authorities stated the authorities concerned are projected to clarify the purpose of the flight and the reason for the brief low approach.

According to Police authorities additionally, they had received no prior information regarding the helicopter's movement. While the local administration is additionally projected to be notified if a flight is connected with disaster-management activities, normally, the police are informed regarding such flights.

Notably, an officer remarked the helicopter was understood to have produced two sorties, one over Jadayupara and another at Nilakkal. The officer additionally stated the Nilackal incident was different from an earlier documented incident at Sannidhanam, where a helicopter had allegedly flown unusually low over the temple.

Taken together, the developments around IAF chopper makes low approach at Nilackal in Kerala point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.