The Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) has rejected media reports that claimed a serious accident was narrowly avoided at Islamabad International Airport, stating that safety first: go arounds are standard procedure, not alarming, and it is practiced internationally without posing any emergency risk.
The clarification came after several media outlets reported that Saudia Airlines flight SV278 from Jeddah almost landed on a closed runway, but was stopped in time by air traffic control on Tuesday evening.
According to flight data, the aircraft was scheduled to arrive at 4:05pm but landed safely at 5:13pm after performing a go-around, a procedure commonly used in global aviation operations.
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In its official statement, the PAA spokesperson stated that the go-around performed by flight SV728 was a routine – an internationally practiced safety procedure – and did not involve any emergency situation.
A go-around is a standard exercise used when the pilot determines that landing conditions are not ideal. It allows the aircraft to climb, reposition, and attempt a safe landing again.
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Officials stressed that presenting routine flight procedures as dramatic or alarming creates unnecessary fear among passengers. Such reporting may lead to misunderstandings about how normal aviation operations and safety decisions work.
The PAA urged media organizations to report aviation matters responsibly and avoid sensational descriptions that misrepresent standard operating procedures carried out by airlines and airport authorities every day.
The statement reiterated that the aviation authority values the important role played by journalists in keeping the public informed, but accuracy remains essential in maintaining public confidence in flight operations.
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The PAA assured travelers that Pakistan’s airports follow strict safety protocols recognized internationally. Routine procedures such as go-arounds highlight the commitment of pilots and controllers to prioritize safety over convenience.
According to officials, the authority remains committed to transparency and continues to uphold the highest operational standards across all airports, ensuring safe travel conditions for passengers throughout the country.
The PAA concluded by encouraging all media outlets to verify technical claims with aviation experts or official sources before publishing reports that may cause unnecessary confusion or concern.
