This Pakistan airport closed for all flight operations

Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport has been temporarily closed for all flight operations.

According to CAA, the decision was made after a Saudi Airlines plane caught fire on the runway during landing.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) stated that the runway will remain closed until 11 am on Friday. Subsequently, all flights scheduled to land at Peshawar Airport will be diverted to other airports.

Earlier, a Saudi Airlines flight carrying 276 passengers and 21 crew members caught fire at Peshawar’s Bacha Khan International Airport on Thursday.

According to a statement by the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA), the air traffic controller noticed smoke and sparks emanating from the left landing gear of Saudi Airlines flight 792 after it landed at Peshawar Airport.

The controller immediately alerted the pilot, who in turn notified the fire and rescue services. The rapid response team swiftly arrived at the scene and effectively controlled the fire, preventing a major accident.

All passengers and crew members were safely evacuated from the aircraft using inflatable slides.

The Saudi Airlines flight had arrived from Riyadh to Peshawar.