New Delhi: India’s aviation regulator has taken disciplinary action against an Air India flight crew and an air-traffic controller (ATC) after an aircraft operating between Delhi and Amritsar briefly crossed into Pakistani airspace. Authorities said the incident was not reported by the personnel involved.
The DGCA has de-rostered the operating crew of Air India flight AI479 along with the concerned ATC while a detailed investigation is carried out. Officials said the interim action was prompted by lapses in reporting procedures following the airspace infringement.
The incident occurred on June 22 when the Airbus A321 was approaching Amritsar airport. Flight operations at the airport had been affected after a bird-strike report led to a runway inspection, forcing arriving aircraft to wait for clearance.
During the subsequent arrival sequence, the Air India aircraft carried out a go-around manoeuvre and briefly entered Lahore airspace before returning to Indian airspace. Aviation authorities from India and Pakistan coordinated the movement through air traffic control channels, ensuring there was no impact on flight safety.
While the aircraft later attempted another approach into Amritsar, it was ultimately diverted to Delhi after the crew reported fuel limitations. The flight landed safely in the national capital later that night.
The DGCA said the aircraft’s temporary deviation into Pakistani airspace occurred during radar vectoring procedures. Although the situation was handled through established cross-border coordination mechanisms, regulators have focused attention on why the occurrence was not formally reported by the individuals responsible for flight operations and air traffic management.
Air India acknowledged the incident, stating that flight AI479 had marginally infringed into Pakistani airspace while carrying out a go-around manoeuvre at Amritsar airport.
The airline added the matter has been reported to the regulatory authorities and is currently being investigated internally.
Air India confirms AI479 crossed into Pakistan airspace during Amritsar approach
DGCA de-rosters Air India crew and an ATC officer after flight AI479 from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistan’s Lahore airspace.
Air India confirms AI479 crossed into Pakistan airspace. (Image courtesy: Wikimedia)