ATC prevents Saudi Airlines plane
from landing on closed runway at Islamabad Airport
A potential runway accident was
narrowly avoided at Islamabad
International Airport (ISB) when air traffic control (ATC) intervened to
stop a Saudi
Airlines Boeing 777 from landing on a runway closed for maintenance.
Flight SV728, arriving from Jeddah,
was approaching Runway 28 Left, which was closed under an active NOTAM issued
by the Pakistan Airports Authority. The
runway had maintenance crews and vehicles on the surface, while Runway 28 Right
was the only operational landing option.
Read More Wild
boar collides with plane during landing at Islamabad Airport
As the aircraft neared touchdown, the ATC controller recognized the misalignment and immediately instructed the crew to discontinue the approach. Despite initial confusion in the cockpit, the pilot executed a go-around and safely aligned with Runway 28 Right on the second approach, landing without incident.
Pakistan Airports Authority
confirmed it is reviewing the sequence of events to assess compliance with
safety procedures. The incident highlights the critical importance of following
NOTAM guidance, pre-flight planning, and cockpit verification during
approaches.
Safety protocols and ATC
intervention
Standard aviation protocols require
flight crews to review NOTAMs prior to departure and during descent.
Misinterpretation or failure to comply can create serious hazards, especially
when personnel or vehicles occupy the affected runway.
Controllers rely on real-time
monitoring, visual checks, and procedural oversight to detect deviations. In
this case, ATC’s swift action prevented a high-risk situation that could have
endangered both passengers and ground personnel.
Read More Landing
gear of Saudi airplane malfunctions in Peshawar
Runway misidentification: a broader concern
Runway misidentification remains a
serious global safety issue. Proper markings, lighting, real-time ATC
communication, and strict adherence to NOTAMs are essential in reducing risk.
Airlines reinforce situational awareness through regular crew training and
cross-verification procedures.
The Pakistan Airports Authority’s
review will examine ATC actions, crew communications, and compliance with
published advisories to identify areas for procedural improvement.
Similar incident at Delhi
Ariana Afghan Airlines flight FG311
in India experienced a near-collision at Indira
Gandhi International Airport, landing on the wrong runway after losing
Instrument Landing System (ILS) guidance in low visibility. Investigators are
analyzing flight data and ATC recordings to determine whether the deviation
resulted from a system fault or other factors, underscoring the critical role
of reliable navigation aids and proactive ATC oversight.
Source: https://aviationa2z.com/