An Air India pilot has been taken off duty after a Delhi-Amritsar flight briefly entered Pakistani airspace during a go-around manoeuvre, prompting investigations by both the airline and aviation authorities.
New Delhi: An Air India flight operating between Delhi and Amritsar briefly crossed into Pakistani airspace during a go-around manoeuvre near Amritsar airport on June 22, leading the airline to remove the pilot from active duty pending an investigation.
Passengers aboard an Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar experienced an unusual aviation incident after the aircraft briefly entered Pakistani airspace during its approach to Amritsar airport. The incident, which occurred on June 22, has triggered investigations by both Air India and India's aviation regulator, with the pilot removed from active duty pending the outcome.
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What happened during the flight?
According to Air India, flight AI479 was approaching Amritsar when it was instructed by Air Traffic Control (ATC) to hold position due to a runway inspection. The inspection had been ordered after reports of a bird strike near the airport.
Preliminary findings suggest that instead of maintaining the instructed holding pattern, the aircraft continued towards the Amritsar area before initiating a left turn. During this manoeuvre, the aircraft briefly crossed the International Border and entered Pakistani airspace.
The airline described the incursion as a "marginal" infringement but acknowledged that the aircraft was unable to fully comply with ATC instructions during the manoeuvre.
DGCA confirms airspace violation
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) confirmed that the aircraft had been instructed to hold while runway checks were being conducted. During radar vectoring for its approach, the aircraft briefly entered Pakistani airspace.
The regulator said the incident was coordinated with Pakistani air traffic authorities and did not result in any reported safety or security threat. Following the event, the aircraft was diverted and returned to Delhi instead of landing in Amritsar.
Pilot removed from roster
Air India has taken the pilot off flying duties while the matter is investigated. The airline said the incident has been formally reported to regulatory authorities and is also being examined through an internal inquiry.
"The safety of passengers and crew remains our top priority," the airline said in a statement.
Why the incident is significant
Although the aircraft's entry into Pakistani airspace was brief, such incidents are treated seriously due to the sensitive nature of airspace management along the India-Pakistan border. Commercial aircraft are required to strictly follow ATC instructions and designated flight paths, especially when operating near international boundaries.
Aviation experts are expected to examine whether navigation procedures, communication with air traffic controllers, weather conditions, or cockpit decision-making contributed to the deviation.
Investigation underway
The DGCA and Air India are now reviewing flight data and operational procedures to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the border crossing. The findings could influence future operational guidance for flights operating in border regions and reinforce protocols during holding and go-around manoeuvres.
While no passengers were reported harmed and no emergency situation developed, the incident has drawn attention because of the aircraft's brief entry into Pakistani airspace and the subsequent decision to ground the pilot pending investigation.
Published: 25 Jun 2026, 07:44 am IST
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