An Air India flight operating between Delhi and Amritsar has come under investigation after it briefly entered Pakistani airspace during a landing manoeuvre on June 22. The incident, involving flight AI479, has triggered questions about air traffic coordination and operational challenges near one of India's most sensitive international borders. Although the airline has maintained that safety remained uncompromised throughout the episode, the matter has been reported to regulatory authorities and is now under internal review.
What exactly happened during the flight?
According to Air India, the aircraft was approaching Amritsar airport when the crew initiated a go-around manoeuvre. A go-around is a standard aviation procedure where pilots abort a landing and climb again if conditions are not ideal for a safe touchdown.
Preliminary information suggests that Air Traffic Control had instructed the aircraft to hold at a designated point near the airport. However, during the manoeuvre, the aircraft continued towards another point, turned left and briefly crossed the International Border into Pakistani airspace.
Air India described the event as a marginal infringement rather than a prolonged entry. The airline has not disclosed the duration of the incursion or how far into Pakistani territory the aircraft travelled before returning to Indian airspace.
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Why are such incidents taken seriously?
According to NDTV, any airspace infringement involving neighbouring countries, particularly India and Pakistan, is treated with utmost seriousness because of the sensitive geopolitical relationship between the two nations.
Amritsar airport is located close to the international border, leaving very little room for navigational errors during take-off and landing operations. Pilots operating in this region often work within strict flight corridors and require precise coordination with air traffic controllers.
Even a brief deviation can trigger security concerns, prompt communication between authorities and attract regulatory scrutiny. While modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated navigation systems, unexpected weather conditions, air traffic congestion, or operational complexities can sometimes complicate manoeuvres.
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Air India launches an internal probe
According to NDTV, Air India has confirmed that the incident has been officially reported to relevant aviation authorities and is simultaneously being investigated internally.
The airline reiterated that passenger and crew safety remain its highest priority. It also stressed that the event did not lead to any safety emergency onboard.
The findings of the investigation will likely determine whether the incident stemmed from a communication gap, procedural deviation or operational circumstances during the landing attempt. Aviation experts say such investigations are important not just to establish accountability but also to strengthen safeguards and prevent similar incidents in the future, especially at airports situated close to international borders.
