New Delhi (HRNW)- An Air India pilot has been removed from duty after a flight from New Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace during its landing approach, according to Indian media reports.
According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the incident occurred on the night of June 22 when Air India flight AI479 was preparing to land at Amritsar Airport.
Officials said another aircraft had reportedly experienced a bird strike shortly before landing, prompting runway inspections and requiring incoming flights to remain airborne until the runway was cleared.
While holding in the air under radar guidance, the aircraft unintentionally entered Pakistani airspace by approximately three miles for a brief period during its approach.
According to the DGCA, Pakistan’s air traffic control authorities were immediately contacted, after which the aircraft returned to Indian airspace. However, due to low fuel, the flight was unable to land in Amritsar and was diverted back to New Delhi.
Following the incident, the aviation regulator removed the pilot from duty and initiated departmental proceedings. Authorities also took action against an air traffic controller at Amritsar Airport for allegedly failing to report the incident promptly.
Air India confirmed the incident, stating that the aircraft briefly entered Pakistani airspace during the landing procedure. The airline said it has informed the relevant regulatory authorities and launched an internal investigation.
The incident comes amid continued restrictions on air traffic between Pakistan and India following heightened diplomatic tensions and Pakistan’s closure of its airspace to Indian airlines in April last year.
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