Flight AI-321 Deviates into Pakistani Territory
Air India's Delhi-Amritsar flight AI-321 inadvertently entered Pakistan's airspace on Monday night, triggering a security review and causing passengers a delay of approximately four hours. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025.
The Airbus A321 aircraft departed from Delhi at 9:18 PM and was scheduled to land at Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport in Amritsar at 10:30 PM. However, the plane deviated from its planned route and crossed into Pakistani airspace. Sources in the Airport Authority of India (AAI) managing the Amritsar airport stated that a technical fault occurred during the flight.
Pilot Alerted by Pakistan Air Traffic Authority
According to sources, the pilot first learned of the incursion when the aircraft began receiving warnings from the Pakistan Air Traffic Authority. The local airport control room immediately instructed the crew to return to Delhi, where the plane landed safely. After obtaining necessary clearances, the aircraft took off again for Amritsar approximately two hours later, finally landing at 2:20 AM on the intervening night of June 22 and 23.
Bhupender Singh, Director of Sri Guru Ram Das Jee International Airport, confirmed that the flight did not penetrate more than one and a half miles into Pakistani airspace. He characterized the incident as "nothing unusual" and attributed the diversion to Delhi to the aircraft's inability to stabilize during its approach to Amritsar.
Investigation Underway
The incident is currently under investigation by aviation authorities. Air India has not issued an official statement regarding the technical fault or the airspace violation. The episode highlights the sensitivity of cross-border aviation protocols, especially given the strained relations between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack.
Passengers on board experienced a delay of about four hours due to the unscheduled return to Delhi and the subsequent re-routing. The airline has not announced any compensation for the affected travelers.
