Air India flight enters Pakistan airspace: DGCA in action mode, instructions issued against Amritsar ATC and crew

June 25, 2026

The DGCA has initiated an investigation into the incident involving Air India flight AI-479, during which the aircraft briefly entered Pakistani airspace. Interim action has also been taken against the concerned Air Traffic Controller (ATC) in Amritsar and the flight’s operating crew for failing to provide timely information regarding the matter.

The incident occurred on June 22, while the Air India Airbus A321 (VT-PPV) was en route from Delhi to Amritsar. At the time, a runway inspection was underway at Amritsar airport following a bird strike; consequently, the flight was instructed to hold for a while before landing.

Flight returned to Delhi after coordination with Pakistan ATC

Subsequently, when the ATC guided the aircraft for landing via radar, it inadvertently strayed into Pakistani airspace for a brief period. Contact and coordination were established with Pakistan ATC to manage the situation. Ultimately, instead of landing in Amritsar, the aircraft was diverted back to Delhi, where it landed safely.

Aircraft strayed off course shortly after takeoff

Earlier, on June 12, a Pakistani passenger flight—Fly Jinnah 9P514—had entered Indian airspace due to adverse weather conditions. The aircraft had strayed off course shortly after taking off from Lahore airport. However, the flight was brought back into Pakistani airspace as soon as the deviation was detected.