Summary Air India pilot removed from duty after flight briefly entered Pakistani airspace during landing approach, triggering regulatory and internal investigations.
NEW DELHI (Dunya News) – An Air India pilot has been removed from duty after a Delhi-Amritsar flight briefly entered Pakistani airspace during its journey, according to Indian media reports.
The incident occurred on the night of June 22 when Air India flight AI479 was preparing to land at Amritsar Airport, according to India’s civil aviation authorities.
Reports said the aircraft was placed on hold before landing after a bird strike involving another aircraft prompted a runway inspection, forcing incoming flights to remain airborne temporarily.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that while attempting to land under radar guidance, the aircraft unintentionally entered Pakistani airspace for a short duration, covering approximately three miles.
During the incident, Pakistani air traffic control authorities were contacted immediately, after which the aircraft returned to Indian airspace. However, due to low fuel levels, the flight was diverted and landed in Delhi instead of Amritsar.
The DGCA said departmental action was initiated against the flight crew, and the pilot was removed from duty pending further proceedings.
An air traffic controller at Amritsar Airport also faced action for failing to report the incident promptly.
Air India confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft had made a minor and inadvertent incursion into Pakistani airspace during the landing approach. The airline said regulatory authorities had been informed and an internal investigation had also been launched.
The incident comes amid continued aviation restrictions between Pakistan and India following diplomatic tensions last year, after which Pakistan closed its airspace to Indian airlines.
