An Air India flight briefly entered Pakistani airspace near Amritsar on June 22, 2024 [1], while performing a go-around maneuver.
This incident occurred in a highly sensitive border region where airspace violations can trigger diplomatic tensions or military responses between India and Pakistan. The breach highlights the narrow margins of error for aircraft operating near international boundaries.
The aircraft, flight AI479 [2], was executing a go-around procedure when the incursion happened [3]. A go-around is a standard aviation maneuver where a pilot aborts a landing attempt and climbs back into the air to try again.
An Air India spokesperson said the crew operating flight AI479 had "marginally infringed" into Pakistan airspace during the manoeuvre [4]. The airline has since confirmed that the incident is under investigation [5].
The event took place near Amritsar, a city located close to the India-Pakistan border [6]. While the breach was described as marginal, the airline is reviewing the flight data to determine how the aircraft drifted across the border line during the maneuver [6].
Air India said the "incident under investigation" [5] will be analyzed to prevent future incursions. The airline did not provide further details regarding the duration of the breach or whether Pakistani authorities issued a formal warning to the crew [4].
“The crew operating flight AI479 had "marginally infringed" into Pakistan airspace”
Airspace incursions in the Amritsar sector are critical due to the geopolitical volatility between India and Pakistan. Even a 'marginal' breach during a standard flight maneuver like a go-around can be interpreted as a security lapse, necessitating a formal investigation to ensure flight paths are strictly maintained in border zones.
