An Air India flight from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistan’s airspace on June 22, 2026, before quickly returning to Indian airspace. The incident involved flight AI479, an Airbus A321 operating near Amritsar airport.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the aircraft was asked to hold due to a runway inspection at Amritsar following a bird strike. During the approach and a go-around manoeuvre, the plane marginally crossed into Pakistani airspace near the border. It remained in Pakistani airspace for about 15 seconds before coordinating with Lahore Air Traffic Control (ATC) and returning safely.
The flight later diverted to Delhi and landed safely. It then flew back to Amritsar on the same day. Air India confirmed the marginal infringement during the go-around and reported the matter to authorities. The airline emphasized that passenger and crew safety remained the top priority.
The DGCA has launched an investigation and taken interim action against the operating crew and the Amritsar air traffic controller for not immediately reporting the incident.
No security concerns were raised, and the event was handled through standard coordination between the two countries’ ATCs.
