Civil Aviation regulator DGCA stated that Air India’s flight AI-479 from Delhi to Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace due to a runway inspection delay after a bird strike. The aircraft, an Airbus 321, was directed by Pakistan’s ATC authorities and safely diverted to Delhi for landing.
Air India confirmed the incident, stating that the crew unintentionally entered Pakistani airspace during a go-around at Amritsar airport. The airline reported the event to regulatory bodies and is conducting an internal investigation for further examination.
Pakistan’s airspace closure to Indian aircraft, imposed since April 2025 due to security concerns, continues to impact flight routes. Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo are compelled to take longer detours for international flights, leading to increased fuel costs and potential ticket price hikes.
Due to the airspace restrictions and regional conflicts, Indian carriers have faced challenges in operating some international flights to Central Asian destinations. The situation has resulted in financial burdens and operational disruptions for the airlines.
