> It would be illegal for the pilots to ignore such an order while inside a country's airspace.
The pilots could report that they are having technical difficulties and are unable to override the current route programmed into the autopilot. They are also have issues disengaging the autopilot. So they are "forced" to continue their flight on their pre-filed flight plan.
Any direction from ATC would be replied with "Unable":
The pilots could report that they are having technical difficulties and are unable to override the current route programmed into the autopilot. They are also have issues disengaging the autopilot. So they are "forced" to continue their flight on their pre-filed flight plan.
Any direction from ATC would be replied with "Unable":
* https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/lists/2021/01/10-times-you-s...
* https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/7915/who-has-th...
* https://aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/24756/when-can-...
* https://atccommunication.com/cannot-comply-with-an-atc-clear...
Short of shooting down the plane there's nothing anyone can do about it.