The Indian Air Force closely monitored a Pakistan International Airlines Boeing 777 jetliner that entered Indian airspace after it failed to land at Lahore airport due to heavy rain in the region. The PIA flight PK-248 had taken off from Muscat for Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport on May 4, when it had to abort its landing due to poor weather conditions. Delhi Air Traffic Control was alerted to the conditions the jetliner was experiencing, and it had processed a request for Boeing to fly a detour given the weather in the area. The Indian Air Force was informed of the situation and was monitoring it.
Sources said the incident of the PIA aircraft flying in Indian airspace due to bad weather was coordinated between Lahore and Delhi area control, with information being shared with the Air Force Movement Liaison Unit. A tracker on Flight Radar 24 showed that the PIA jetliner flew north of the Bhikhiwind town in Punjab at 8.42 pm on May 4, shortly after entering Indian airspace. It then flew over the city of Tarn Taran before turning southwest to eventually re-enter Pakistan airspace, where it diverted to Multan and landed there.
PIA has permission to operate designated flights over Indian airspace, including flights to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Several Indian airlines operate daily flights to the West across Pakistani airspace. Despite the proximity of Lahore and the India-Pakistan border, air traffic controllers always prioritize the safe operations of flights. The Delhi Air Traffic Control had prioritized the safe operation of the PIA flight by alerting them of the unplanned route diversion.
Such incidents are not unusual as weather conditions can sometimes cause planes to change their route or altitude. However, given the strained relations between India and Pakistan, such incidents can create tension and warrant close monitoring by the Air Force. The incident involving the PIA flight highlights the importance of coordination and communication between air traffic controllers of different countries to ensure the safety of air travel.
