ISLAMABAD: The landing gear of a Saudi Airlines flight caught fire upon landing at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport on Thursday, the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) said in a statement, prompting the air traffic controller to deploy fire tenders to handle the emergency situation.
Incidents involving landing gear fires and other emergencies have occasionally occurred with different airlines at various Pakistani airports.
To address such situations, Pakistani authorities have implemented comprehensive emergency response plans to ensure they meet international safety standards and are prepared to handle these eventualities effectively.
“After Saudi Airlines flight 792 landed at Peshawar Airport, the air traffic controller noticed smoke and sparks coming from the left landing gear,” the PCAA said in a statement. “The air traffic controller informed the pilot about the smoke and sparks coming from the left landing gear.”
It informed the air traffic controller immediately notified the fire and rescue services, who promptly arrived at the scene and immediately controlled the fire, preventing a major accident.
“All 276 passengers and 21 crew members safely exited the aircraft using inflatable slides,” the statement added. “The Saudi Airlines flight had arrived from Riyadh to Peshawar.”
Later, Saudi Airlines acknowledged the incident, saying all passengers and crewmembers were safely evacuated.
“The aircraft is now undergoing technical evaluation by specialists,” it announced in a statement. “This includes repairs, along with comprehensive inspections and subsequent tests, to ensure its safety.”
The Pakistani aviation industry has been under international scrutiny for its security standards in recent years. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conducted a comprehensive assessment last year and noted significant improvements.
To ensure compliance with international standards, the PCAA has actively sought certification from various countries.
Earlier this month, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority certified the aviation security at Islamabad and Karachi airports, confirming that they meet “international standards.”
