Plane Spotters Detained in India

[Gareth Forwood]

Guardian UK

Rediff News (India)

Looks like quite an overreaction, but it would have been prudent of the spotters to look into the local laws before taking all that equipment. Many if not all of their actions can be twisted to sound threatening, but would be considered normal by anyone interested in aircraft.

[Owen H]

Photography of aircraft (in terms of spotting) is illegal in India. In MANY countries (including the UK) listening to ATC transmissions is also illegal, and if you reproduce anything said you are likely to have the plod after you.

I have no doubt that they will be questioned and dispatched back to the motherland, with no real harm done. Just a good way for the Indian authorities to make a point (and it doesn't take much provocation for them to want to do that).

[Tony G]

I flew Korean air lines to Europe last November. You get a night stopover on the way. I also requested a airport view geek I know. Thankfully that request did not delay our holiday. I also noticed while in the terminal that you cannot take photos from there either.
While I am mentioning KAL, they were fantastic. Great service.

[Matt_L]

Indeed Gareth you make a good point.

Places like Singapore as well VHF scanners are so called 'legal', but transmitters are not but local police there are as tough as a nut as many would know and so will not hesitate to detain if they cant tell the difference between the two. Best not to take- Obviously on the topic putting these in checked luggage and preferably with batteries out will be much better and not raise any suspicion.

Alot of airport hotels worldwide offer 'runway view' rooms but I guess one can not always count on every culture and country accommodating the spotters and knowing this.