Pakistan Airports Authority rejects claims of averted accident at Islamabad airport

Pakistan Airports Authority (PAA) dismissed on Wednesday reports that an accident was averted at the Islamabad International Airport, calling on the media to avoid presenting routine aviation procedures “in a sensational manner”.

Earlier, multiple media outlets reported that flight SV278 — operated by Saudia Airlines from Jeddah to Islamabad — narrowly avoided a disaster as the air traffic controller prevented the pilot from landing the plane on the wrong runway.

“The recent go-around at Islamabad International Airport involving flight SV728 was a standard and internationally practiced safety measure, executed precisely as per established protocols,” the PAA said in its press release.

The authority added that go-arounds are common, non-emergency procedures carried out to ensure the highest level of operational safety.

“Sensational reporting may unintentionally create unnecessary concern among the traveling public and lead to misunderstandings about normal aviation practices,” it said.

The authority added that it valued the media’s role as an important partner in keeping the public informed and “encourages continued responsible reporting based on verified information”.

“PAA remains committed to transparency and to maintaining the highest safety standards across all airports in Pakistan.”