Air India flight briefly enters Pakistani airspace

An Air India passenger jet briefly entered Pakistani airspace on the evening of June 22 while attempting to land in Amritsar, Indian aviation authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred amid a long-standing ban on such airspace use, was coordinated with Pakistani air traffic control and ended with the aircraft safely diverting to Delhi.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated that Air India flight AI479, an Airbus A321, was on approach to Amritsar when it was instructed to abort its landing and enter a holding pattern. This was due to a runway inspection required after a bird strike. During the subsequent radar-guided manoeuvre, the aircraft briefly crossed into Pakistani airspace. The DGCA said the event was coordinated with Pakistani ATC authorities. The flight ultimately diverted to Delhi, where it landed safely.

In a statement, Air India said the crew operating the flight had "marginally infringed" on Pakistani airspace while manoeuvring a go-around at Amritsar airport. The airline confirmed the incident has been reported to regulators and is being investigated internally. The DGCA also announced that interim action has been taken against...