ISLAMABAD: An Air India plane entered Pakistan air space breiefly on Wednesday (June 22), a day before Pakistan extended restrictions on Indian aircraft.
The Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace while executing a go-around manoeuvre near Amritsar airport. The Aviation sources have confirmed the action and maintained that the violation was so short-lived that Indian plane ran away before facing any action.
Pakistan has extended its airspace ban on all Indian-registered, owned, and operated aircraft (civil and military) as the Pakistan Airports Authority issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) stating that the restriction will remain in effect until July 24, 2026.
Air India claimed the incident involved flight AI479 and has been reported to regulatory authorities, while an internal investigation is underway. “The crew operating flight AI479 from Delhi to Amritsar on 22 June had marginally infringed into the Pakistan airspace while manoeuvring a go-around at Amritsar airport. The incident has been reported to the regulatory authorities and is being investigated internally,” the airline said in a statement.
Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said the aircraft, an Airbus A321 bearing registration VT-PPV, was instructed to hold during its approach to Amritsar after a bird strike incident prompted a runway inspection. “On 22.06.2026 Air India Airbus 321 Aircraft VT-PPV operating flight AI 479 (Delhi-Amritsar) during approach was asked to hold due to runway inspection post a bird strike incident. After the aircraft commenced approach during radar vectoring, the aircraft briefly entered the Pakistan airspace. The event was coordinated with Pakistan ATC Authorities. The aircraft finally diverted to Delhi and safely landed in Delhi,” the DGCA said in a statement.
According to the regulator, the aircraft later diverted back to Delhi and landed safely. No injuries or safety issues were reported.
