The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) on Wednesday dismissed media reports claiming that a major accident was averted at Islamabad International Airport, calling the incident a standard safety procedure. The clarification followed reports that Saudia Airlines flight SV278 from Jeddah narrowly avoided landing on a closed runway.
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According to flight tracking data, the flight was scheduled to land at 4:05pm but touched down at 5:13pm, over an hour late. The PAA stated that the aircraft performed a “go-around,” a routine manoeuvre in which the landing approach is discontinued, and the plane is returned to a safe altitude and configuration for another landing attempt.
“Go-arounds are common, non-emergency procedures carried out to ensure the highest level of operational safety,” the PAA said, adding that the incident followed internationally accepted protocols. The authority emphasized that the manoeuvre was executed “precisely as per established procedures,” ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
ترجمان پی اے اے نے تصدیق کی ہے کہ پاکستان ایئرپورٹس اتھارٹی نے واقعے کا نوٹس لے لیا ہے
مزید پڑھیں: https://t.co/SoZbLdoE7M#ExpressNews #ForeignAirline #Incident #IslamabadAirport #Pakistan #Flight pic.twitter.com/aHSe15llJb
— Express News (@ExpressNewsPK) November 26, 2025
The PAA also urged media outlets to avoid sensationalising routine aviation procedures. “Sensational reporting may unintentionally create unnecessary concern among the travelling public and lead to misunderstandings about normal aviation practices,” the statement read.
Affirming its commitment to transparency, the authority said it values responsible reporting based on verified information and remains dedicated to maintaining the highest safety standards across all airports in Pakistan.
Officials stressed that the go-around was purely preventive and not linked to any technical failure or emergency, highlighting the importance of routine safety measures in modern aviation.
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The PAA’s statement aims to reassure passengers and the public that Pakistan’s airports operate under strict safety standards, and that the reported incident at Islamabad airport was a precautionary and standard procedure designed to protect passengers.