Flight-tracking records have revealed that at least three Pakistani commercial aircraft briefly entered Indian airspace on June 12 after severe weather disrupted flight operations around Lahore. The crossings took place more than a week before an Air India aircraft temporarily entered Pakistani airspace during a failed landing attempt in Amritsar.

The incidents highlight how aviation authorities sometimes allow temporary deviations from normal routes when weather conditions threaten flight safety.

Three Pakistani Flights Diverted Due to Storms

According to data from Flightradar24, the aircraft involved included two Fly Jinnah flights and one Air Sial flight. The Fly Jinnah aircraft were operating on routes from Lahore to Dubai and Lahore to Jeddah. The third aircraft, operated by Air Sial, was travelling from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to Lahore.

All three flights encountered difficult weather conditions as a powerful windstorm moved through Pakistan's Punjab province.

Pilots Changed Routes to Avoid Dangerous Weather

The aircraft did not enter Indian airspace as part of their scheduled routes. Instead, pilots altered their flight paths to avoid severe turbulence and dangerous storm systems developing near Lahore. Flight-tracking data showed that the aircraft temporarily crossed into Indian airspace while navigating around the worst weather conditions.

The diversions allowed the flights to continue safely before returning to their intended routes.

Air India Entered Pakistani Airspace Days Later

The disclosures emerged shortly after a separate aviation incident involving an Air India aircraft. On June 22, Air India flight AI479 was operating from Delhi to Amritsar when it encountered difficulties during its landing attempt.

After the aircraft could not complete a safe landing, the crew initiated a standard go-around procedure. During the manoeuvre, the aircraft crossed the International Border near Wagah and briefly entered Pakistani airspace.

Aircraft Remained in Pakistani Airspace for About a Minute

Flight-tracking records showed that the aircraft circled over Amritsar before crossing into Pakistani territory at approximately 9:38 pm IST. According to Air India, the aircraft remained in Pakistani airspace for around one minute before returning to Indian airspace.

After abandoning the landing attempt, the flight later returned to Delhi instead of making another approach to Amritsar Airport. The airline has launched an investigation to determine all circumstances surrounding the incident.

Airspace Incidents Occur Amid Ongoing Restrictions

The crossings have attracted attention because India and Pakistan currently maintain restrictions on each other's airlines. The restrictions were introduced after military tensions increased following the Pahalgam terror attack last year.

As a result, routine commercial flights from both countries generally avoid each other's airspace.

Aviation Rules Allow Exceptions for Safety

Despite these restrictions, international aviation regulations place safety above political considerations. Under global aviation procedures, neighbouring air traffic control authorities must cooperate when aircraft face emergencies, severe weather conditions or operational safety concerns.

This means pilots can receive permission to enter restricted airspace if it is necessary to protect passengers and crew or ensure the safe operation of a flight.

The recent incidents involving both Pakistani airlines and Air India demonstrate how aviation safety protocols continue to function even when political tensions and airspace restrictions remain in place between neighbouring countries.