Islamabad: In a dramatic turn of events, a Saudi Airlines flight from Riyadh caught fire while landing at Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Thursday. Miraculously, all 276 passengers and 21 crew members were safely evacuated.
According to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) spokesperson Saifullah, air traffic controllers noticed smoke and flames emanating from the left landing gear as the plane touched down. They promptly alerted the pilots and notified the airport’s fire and rescue services.
“Fire engines acted in time and immediately controlled the fire in the landing gear, saving the plane from a major accident,” Saifullah stated. The CAA fire trucks swiftly arrived at the scene and extinguished the flames, preventing a potential disaster.
Passengers were evacuated using an inflatable slide, ensuring everyone’s safety. Despite the incident, airport officials confirmed that Bacha Khan International Airport remains operational, with all flights continuing as scheduled.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Board has taken notice of the incident and will begin a thorough investigation soon.
