PAA launches inquiry into recent safety incidents at Karachi Airport
The Pakistan Airport Authority (PAA)
has initiated a comprehensive investigation following three separate safety
incidents involving foreign aircraft at Jinnah International Airport, Karachi.
All affected aircraft remain temporarily grounded as inquiries continue.
The most recent incident occurred
late Sunday night when a cargo plane operated by an international courier
company was damaged during ground handling. A loader truck collided with the
aircraft while maneuvering on the wet tarmac, reportedly due to a brake failure
exacerbated by slippery conditions following heavy rainfall. The impact damaged
the left wing lights and caused dents to three areas of the fuselage. No
repairs have begun yet, with a technical team from overseas expected to arrive
soon to assess and fix the aircraft.
Read More Collision
with loader truck leads to grounding of cargo plane
Earlier on Friday morning, a passenger
flight to Istanbul was grounded for more than 15 hours after suffering a bird
strike to one of its engines during taxiing for takeoff. Passengers were moved
to the terminal lounge while engineers worked on repairs. Officials noted that bird
activity spikes after rainfall, prompting the PAA to issue advisories and
increase the deployment of bird shooters in recent days.
In another incident, a Gulf-based
airline’s flight to Jeddah was forced to make an emergency landing shortly
after takeoff following an engine fire alert. The pilot contacted Karachi Air
Traffic Control (ATC) and was cleared to land on Runway 25L. As a safety
measure, fuel was dumped before the aircraft returned to the airport. All 218
passengers were safely evacuated, and initial assessments found no evidence of
an actual fire. Engineers are continuing detailed inspections of the aircraft.
Read More Heavy
rains threaten light aircraft at Karachi airport
The PAA has ordered a full inquiry
into all three incidents and has instructed Gerry’s dnata, the ground handling
services provider, to submit a comprehensive report.
Affected passengers have since been
rebooked on alternative flights, and airport authorities have reaffirmed their
commitment to enhancing safety protocols, especially during adverse weather
conditions.
Source: Islamabad 51