A UAE-based Emirates flight, EK-715 flying from Islamabad to Dubai, briefly entered Indian airspace early Thursday morning after severe weather disrupted its planned route. 

 

The incident occurred after a powerful storm system swept across Punjab, Pakistan, affecting air traffic across the region.

 

According to reports, the Boeing 777 entered Indian airspace near Narowal at approximately 4:25 am on June 26. Due to intense rainfall and strong winds, the aircraft veered off course and circled briefly near the Indian city of Amritsar. It re-entered Pakistani airspace near Kasur around 4:36 am and continued its journey to Dubai without further incident.

 

Airport sources had earlier confirmed that the aircraft entered Indian airspace near Sialkot and Narowal as heavy rain in Lahore forced the pilot to divert. The plane reportedly remained in Indian airspace for about 10 minutes before returning after air traffic control flagged the deviation.

 

Officials said such diversions are not unusual during extreme weather and confirmed that there were no safety breaches or injuries to passengers.

 

The Emirates flight was one of several affected by the storm system. A Thai Airways flight from Bangkok to London was seen circling within Pakistani airspace for about 15 minutes. Other disrupted flights included services from Taipei to Paris, Baku to Islamabad, Istanbul to Islamabad, Delhi to Istanbul, Manila to Istanbul, Muscat to Lahore, and various other routes connected to Pakistan.

 

Aviation authorities have noted that the ongoing monsoon season presents major challenges for flight operations, with sudden changes in weather patterns often forcing reroutes, holds, or emergency diversions.