Was a Major Aviation Disaster Prevented or Was it Much Ado About Nothing?
The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has dismissed media reports that a potential catastrophe was averted at Islamabad International Airport, sparking a debate among aviation enthusiasts and experts.
The Incident:
On November 26, 2025, Saudi Airlines flight SV278, traveling from Jeddah to Islamabad, was allegedly prevented from landing on a closed runway by air traffic control. This incident, according to local media, could have led to a ‘major disaster’ if not for the intervention.
Flight trackers show the flight landed over an hour later than scheduled, raising questions about the circumstances.
PAA’s Response:
The PAA has refuted these claims, stating that the ‘go-around’ executed by the flight was a routine safety measure. They explained that a go-around is a standard aviation maneuver where a pilot aborts landing and circles for another approach, following established protocols. The authority warned against sensationalism, emphasizing that such reporting could cause unnecessary alarm and misrepresent normal aviation procedures.
The Near Miss:
Aviation industry sources paint a different picture. They claim that the Saudi Airlines flight was on its final approach to Islamabad when it aligned with Runway 28 Left, which was shut for maintenance. Despite air traffic control’s warnings, the pilot insisted on the correct approach and continued descending. Only at the last moment, the controller ordered the go-around, potentially preventing a collision with workers and vehicles on the closed runway.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Were the pilot’s actions a breach of protocol or a calculated decision? And how common are such near misses in aviation?
This incident highlights the delicate balance between aviation safety and media reporting. While transparency is crucial, sensationalism can distort public perception. What do you think? Is the PAA’s response justified, or is there more to this story than meets the eye?