Air India AI 479 Enters Pakistan Airspace During Go-Around

Airspace Infringement Incident

Air India flight AI 479, an Airbus A321 operating a domestic route from Delhi to Amritsar, briefly entered Pakistani airspace on June 22, 2026. The infringement occurred while the crew executed a go-around maneuver at Amritsar airport due to heavy traffic. The aircraft marginally crossed into the Lahore Flight Information Region (FIR) before returning to Indian airspace following communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC).

Regulatory Context and Ban

The incident occurred during a period of heightened geopolitical sensitivity. Under Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) A0357/26, all Indian-registered and Indian-operated aircraft are currently prohibited from entering Pakistani airspace. This ban, which applies to both civil and military flights, remains active until July 24, 2026, following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack. The infringement of this restricted zone carries significant regulatory implications for the carrier.

Operational Impact

Following the unauthorized entry into the Lahore FIR, the flight was diverted back to Delhi due to operational congestion. Passengers on board experienced a delay of approximately four hours before the aircraft eventually landed in Amritsar at 2:20 AM on June 23. Air India confirmed the incident in an official statement, noting that the safety of passengers and crew remains the primary priority. An internal investigation is currently underway to determine how the aircraft deviated from its intended navigation path during the go-around process.

Regulatory Oversight

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is overseeing the investigation into the navigation failure. The agency is expected to review flight data recorder information to assess crew response and navigation system performance during the border-proximity maneuver. Historically, airspace closures between India and Pakistan have caused widespread operational disruption. In February 2019, a total closure of Pakistani airspace to Indian carriers lasted nearly five months, forcing significant route changes and increased fuel costs for the industry.

Technical Analysis of Border-Proximity Maneuvers

The incident highlights the technical and operational risks associated with flight operations near restricted geopolitical borders. When a go-around maneuver is initiated at an airport in close proximity to a national border, the margin for error in navigation is minimal. In this instance, the combination of heavy air traffic and the requirement for a rapid go-around maneuver placed the aircraft in a trajectory that intersected with the restricted Lahore FIR. The investigation will likely focus on whether the navigation systems provided sufficient warning to the flight deck crew regarding the proximity to the restricted boundary, and how the crew coordinated with ATC to rectify the course deviation.

What Comes Next

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is expected to conclude its internal safety investigation by late 2026. This report will likely dictate any further regulatory action against the airline. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Airports Authority mandate remains in place, with the next major milestone being the expiration of the current airspace ban on July 24, 2026. Airlines operating in the region must continue to navigate these geopolitical constraints while maintaining strict adherence to international navigation standards.

Why This Matters for Regional Aviation

For regional carriers, this incident underscores the operational complexity of flying near restricted geopolitical boundaries. The breach of the Pakistan airspace ban serves as a reminder of the heightened scrutiny placed on cross-border navigation. For the aviation industry, the case emphasizes the necessity for robust flight path management and real-time coordination with ATC when operating in high-density, politically sensitive airspace.