Air India pilot faces regulatory action after incursion into Pakistani airspace
An Air
India pilot has been removed from operational duty after an aircraft
briefly entered Pakistani airspace during its approach to Amritsar, prompting
regulatory and internal investigations.
The incident occurred on the night of June 22, when Air India Flight AI479, operating
from Delhi to Amritsar, was preparing to land at Amritsar Airport.
According to reports, the aircraft was instructed to
remain in a holding pattern after a bird strike involving another flight
necessitated a runway inspection. As a result, arriving aircraft were required
to stay airborne until the runway was cleared for operations.
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India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) stated
that while the aircraft was attempting to land under radar guidance, it
inadvertently crossed into Pakistani airspace for a short distance of
approximately three miles.
Pakistani air traffic control authorities were contacted
immediately, following which the aircraft returned to Indian airspace. However,
due to reduced fuel reserves after the extended holding period, the flight was
diverted and landed safely in Delhi instead of Amritsar.
The DGCA has initiated departmental proceedings against
the flight crew, and the pilot has been removed from duty pending the outcome
of the investigation. In addition, an air traffic controller at Amritsar
Airport has reportedly faced disciplinary action for failing to report the
incident promptly.
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Air India confirmed the occurrence, describing it as a
minor and inadvertent incursion into Pakistani airspace during the landing
approach. The airline said it had informed the relevant regulatory authorities
and launched an internal investigation to determine the circumstances
surrounding the incident.
The episode comes amid continuing aviation restrictions between Pakistan and
India following heightened diplomatic tensions last year, during which Pakistan
closed its airspace to Indian airlines.
Source:
Dunya News