Click to play videoNew Delhi: A Kuwait Airways flight (Delhi-Kuwait flight) after taking off from the Indira Gandhi International Airport took a left turn instead of right and veered into a no-fly zone in the Capital on Monday.
The incident, that comes in the wake of increased security threats to airports across India, sent officials panicking.
According to Air Traffic Control officials, the Delhi-Kuwait flight took off in the direction of Qutab Minar at 0615 hrs (IST) from the Indira Gandhi International airport and was heading towards Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence before it was intercepted.
"It was a simple mistake on the part of the Kuwaiti Airways pilot. We are looking into the matter and will see what needs to be done," Joint Director General of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, P K Chattopadhyay said.
"The plane was immediately brought back to course. It has left for its original destination," Chattopadhyay added.
However, inquiry has been ordered into the matter and Cabinet Secretary BK Chaturvedi will meet National Crisis Management Committee in the afternoon to review the breach of security.
"We are investigating and will take action," said Aviation Minister, Praful Patel.
Meanwhile, official sources said a meeting has also been called by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to assess the situation.
Security agencies were immediately alerted following the breach and the Special Protection Group (SPG), guarding the prime minister's residence at Race Course Road, were prepared.
In August this year, the Indian Air Force scrambled its MIG-21s after a flying object from Pakistan was noticed very close to the border in Rajasthan. While the object did not cross the border, it did violate the 10 km no fly zone rule observed by both countries.
Just last week, airports in southern India were put on alert after the airport director in the city of Trichy received a letter warning of imminent attacks at airports or on planes.
(With inputs from IANS)
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