ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) dismissed claims that a major aviation disaster was narrowly avoided at Islamabad International Airport, clarifying that the event being reported was a routine safety manoeuvre rather than an emergency situation.
Local media had suggested that Saudi Airlines flight SV278, travelling from Jeddah to Islamabad, was prevented from landing on a runway that had been closed for maintenance — a move described as averting a “major disaster”. According to available flight-tracking data, the plane eventually landed at 5:13pm, more than an hour after its scheduled arrival of 4:05pm.
Responding to the reports, the PAA stated that the aircraft’s go-around — a standard procedure in global aviation — was executed exactly in line with established safety protocols. “The recent go-around at Islamabad International Airport involving flight SV728 was a standard and internationally practised safety measure,” the authority said. A go-around occurs when pilots abandon a landing attempt and circle before making another approach, often due to misalignment, weather or runway conditions.
The PAA warned against sensationalism, noting that such reporting can create “unnecessary concern among the travelling public” and cause misunderstandings regarding routine aviation practices. It reaffirmed that Pakistan’s airports continue to adhere to strict international safety standards and pledged ongoing transparency in aviation operations.
What Happened on the Runway
According to industry sources, the Saudi Airlines flight was on final approach when it reportedly aligned with the wrong runway. Runway 28 Left had been closed for maintenance, leaving only Runway 28 Right operational for landings.
Despite repeated instructions from air traffic control alerting the pilot that the aircraft was incorrectly lined up, the descent reportedly continued, with the pilot *“insisting”* they were on the correct approach. ATC intervened at the last moment, instructing the pilot to abort the landing and initiate a go-around.
Reports indicate that had the aircraft touched down on the closed runway, the situation could have been dire, as maintenance crews and vehicles were present on Runway 28 Left at the time. The PAA, however, maintains that the go-around was executed safely and precisely, reaffirming that the aviation system functioned as intended.
