An Air India flight from Delhi to Punjab’s Amritsar briefly entered Pakistani airspace while carrying out a go-around manoeuvre at Amritsar airport on June 22, the airline said.
In a statement, Air India said the crew operating flight AI479 had “marginally infringed” into Pakistan airspace during the manoeuvre.
“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 airline said.
The airlines said that Air India Air bus 321 Aircraft VT‑PPV operating flight AI479 (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. However, the event was coordinated with Pakistan ATC Authorities.
The aircraft finally diverted back to Delhi and safely landed at Delhi airport.
Interim action has been taken against concerned Air traffic controller at Amritsar and the operating crew for non reporting of the event.
The incident has been reported to the regulatory authorities and is being investigated internally.
“The incident has been reported to the regulatory authorities and is being investigated internally. At Air India, the safety of passengers and crew remain top priority,” the airline said in the statement.