An Air India plane, en route from Delhi to Amritsar, unintentionally entered Pakistani airspace briefly while performing a go-around at Amritsar airport. The incident involving flight AI479 took place during the aircraft’s approach to Amritsar, as confirmed by the airline.
The airline stated that the crew of flight AI479 from Delhi to Amritsar on June 22 inadvertently crossed into Pakistani airspace while executing a go-around at Amritsar airport. Air India has reported the occurrence to the relevant regulatory bodies and is conducting an internal investigation.
Air India emphasized that safety is paramount for both passengers and crew, and the incident is under scrutiny by the airline’s management. Pakistan has maintained a ban on Indian aircraft, civil and military, since April 2025, following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir and escalating border tensions. India reciprocated with a ban on Pakistani aircraft in its airspace.
Due to the continued airspace restrictions, Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo have had to opt for longer alternate routes for their international flights to various destinations. These detours over the Arabian Sea and through countries like the UAE and Oman lead to increased flight times, fuel consumption, and operational costs, impacting passenger comfort and ticket prices.
