The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated action after an Air India flight operating between Delhi and Amritsar inadvertently entered Pakistan airspace. The incident, which occurred recently, has raised serious concerns about lapses in communication protocols as both the flight crew and air traffic control (ATC) failed to report the breach.
Details of the Incident
The flight, a scheduled Air India service from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar, deviated from its designated flight path and crossed into Pakistani territory. According to sources, the aircraft was in the air for a short duration when the deviation occurred. The exact duration of the incursion is not yet known, but it is understood that the aircraft returned to Indian airspace without any further incident.
What has alarmed aviation authorities is that the crew did not immediately inform ATC about the deviation, nor did the ATC controllers on either side flag the breach in real time. The lapse was only detected later during a routine review of flight data.
DGCA Investigation and Action
The DGCA has launched a probe into the matter and has sought detailed reports from Air India, the pilot, and the ATC department. A senior DGCA official stated, "We have taken serious note of the incident. The crew's failure to report the incursion and the lack of coordination with ATC are violations of standard operating procedures. Appropriate action will be taken after a thorough investigation." The regulator is also examining whether the aircraft had proper clearance and whether any technical glitch contributed to the deviation.
This is not the first time a commercial flight has strayed into Pakistan airspace. In 2019, a similar incident involving a Jet Airways flight prompted the DGCA to issue stricter guidelines for crew and ATC coordination. However, the recurrence indicates persistent gaps in compliance.
Impact and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked debate about aviation safety and cross-border airspace management. While no immediate threat was posed as the aircraft was not intercepted by Pakistani authorities, such breaches can escalate tensions between the two countries. Aviation experts emphasize the need for better training and real-time monitoring systems to prevent recurrences. The DGCA is expected to issue a show-cause notice to the airline and the concerned personnel, and may impose fines or suspend licenses if negligence is proven.
